Look out for this teal trailer. South MS baker rolls out ‘sweet’ new food truck
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Jess McBeth launched a mobile version of Mississippi Mud's Cakes in February 2025.
- Her food truck offers rotating desserts and custom treats for local events.
- McBeth plans wholesale expansion as demand and business interest increase.
A new food truck is rolling along the Mississippi Coast as Jess McBeth, owner of Mississippi Mud’s Cakes, takes her home-baking business mobile. She launched the food truck in February after two years of baking from home.
At most events, McBeth sells hundreds of desserts — and her banana pudding mini cake is always the first to go.
“You get fresh bananas, a layer of cream cheese, a layer of the vanilla pudding and then fresh vanilla bean whipped cream on top with fresh vanilla wafers,” McBeth said.
Customers looking to get a taste of a Mississippi Mud’s Cakes can visit McBeth’s Facebook page to find her next event or view her contact information. Alongside her rotating menu, she offers personalized treats for birthdays, weddings and other special events.
As demand grows, McBeth plans to bring her cakes to stores across the Coast.
“I do have several businesses that are interested in having my products in their store,” McBeth said. “It’s just a matter of getting all of that paperwork, regulations, rounds and inspections done.”
‘Coach Mud’
While growing up playing softball, teammates and coaches referred to McBeth as “Mud.” The nickname stuck, even when she began coaching at Gautier High School, where many knew her as “Coach Mud.” Years later, she decided to name her cake business after it.
McBeth began her professional baking journey 20 years ago at Jody’s Bakery in Hattiesburg. After exploring other careers, she returned to baking in 2023, starting over in her home kitchen.
When orders started pouring in, McBeth reached an income threshold that required her to choose between opening a storefront or going mobile. She chose the food truck.
“It economically meant more for us to be mobile and to be able to have more of our product going to more places than to try and do a shop,” McBeth said.
Now, McBeth works from her bright teal trailer, sometimes for up to 16 hours a day.
“I literally do everything out here,” McBeth said. “My baking is done in two ovens and I have my fridges, my mixers and my ingredients. Everything is right here where I need it to be.”
Despite long hours and stressful days, McBeth said she finds the process meditative.
“I get in a rhythm,” McBeth said. “It becomes a flow and I just throw some music on in the background and get it done.”
McBeth will join other vendors at the Tasty Thursday food truck event this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Singing River Mall property on Highway 90 in Gautier.
