Chatham, Mississippi
End of the Line
A Walk Back in Time in Rural Mississippi
March 2025
Article and photos by Polly Dean.
During our recent fishing trip to Lake Washington, whenever anyone mentioned needing anything, the solution was “you need to go to Roy’s Store.” The store is located in Chatham, an unincorporated community on the western edge of Mississippi, in the heart of the Delta Region. From the villages of Glen Allan and Hampton at the south end of Lake Washington, up to Chatham and Erwin on the lake’s north end, Roy’s is the “go-to” place in these rural communities.
Established more than a century ago, Roy’s was named for one of its past owners Roy Shanks, and can be described as the heartbeat of this region. Situated at the junction of Lake Washington Road and Roy’s Store Road, this emporium survived the Great Depression, as well as numerous floods. Even the land on which it sits has a back story. As the tale goes, back in the late 1700s, one Captain Bunch had a house at the site. The local story has the captain as the leader of a band of Indian pirates that terrorized the Mississippi River near the border with Louisiana. Today Bunchs Bend and Bunchs Cut-Off in that area still bear his name.
I first heard the shop mentioned as the place that the area’s fishing guides, towns people and anglers gathered to grab breakfast, replenish supplies or fill their vehicles and boats with gasoline.
It was our destination later in the trip, since we didn’t have early morning fishing scheduled for that day. Instead, we opted to have a hearty breakfast at Roy’s. Quickly, we learned why this country store is such a gem and has been one for so many years.
Nobody leaves Roy’s hungry!
When one walks in the door, its historical significance is evident, as well as the variety of goods that it offers the community. Not surprisingly, since it is near the shore of Lake Washington, Roy’s sells its share of fishing tackle. Just don’t expect to replenish your fly box here. It is an old school, conventional tackle kind of shop.
Roy’s is a favorite of local anglers on Lake Washington.
Roy’s has had a number of updates throughout the years, including the addition of the cafe and dining areas. The store offers groceries, hardware, convenience items and a variety of odds and ends. In addition to southern breakfasts, menu items include cheeseburgers, catfish and plenty more!
Present owner Ricky Jones has turned the adjacent former residence into a steakhouse that is open Thursday to Saturday evenings weekly. Other changes include offering live music on some weekends, while the store will host the 16th Annual Snake Grabbin Rodeo on June 7, 2025.
Besides enjoying the eclectic interior, guests will notice the variety of historical items on and around the grounds as well. They include an old shrimp boat, a post office built by Roy’s owner in the 1980s and an assortment of rental cabins and houses providing visitors the opportunity of staying on the shores of Lake Washington. The area is a favorite with duck hunters as well. It’s worth the drive to visit Roy’s, whether hunting or fishing or staying at one of their cozy cabins.
Roy’s is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m until 7:00 p.m. It truly is a step back in time. Learn more on their website.
