Two popular family restaurants in South MS closing, as the owners navigate life changes
Competition is a challenge for many Coast restaurant owners, but it’s not the only reason they decide to close their businesses.
For the owners of two Asian restaurants in Ocean Springs, it’s life issues and family changes that are the reason the owners of Paninis and Boba? O Mai, off Washington Avenue, north of Ocean Springs, and Le’s Place Asian Restaurant on U.S. 90 say they are closing the doors.
The owners posted their news on Facebook and asked those who are interested in taking over the business to contact them.
Le’s Place at 1614 Bienville Blvd. in Ocean Springs, near Azteca’s, is looking to downsize and relocate due to “life changing events,” the owners posted.
“We really much hope to still see our wonderful customers in the near future,” they said and remained opened and busy on Monday, Dec. 30.
Their menu was an eclectic combination of Asian and American favorites.
“Sushi, General Tso’s chicken, po-boys and French fries? Yup, and somehow it works,” Sun Herald reported Scott Watkins wrote in his review of the restaurant.
In Le’s words, the restaurant was known as “the best General Tso’s chicken on the Coast.” Also on the menu are fried green tomatoes, shrimp in a blanket, and the Philly cheese steak, shrimp, fish or hamburger po-boys.
The owners of Paninis & Boba O Mai posted they are retiring from the food business and the business is marked online as permanently closed.
The restaurant featured an array of grilled sandwiches, a rice bowl menu typical of a boba restaurant and a glass case displaying 20 different cakes and cheesecakes.
“Our goal of providing a nurturing environment where our children and their friends could flourish has been achieved.,” they said. “As they take flight into the next phase of their lives, we’re motivate to pursue new horizons as well.”
The owners said they are thankfully for the support of their customers over the years. “We’ll miss our daily interactions,” the said, “but we’re excited to stay connected in the community. It’s been a remarkable journey and we look forward to the next chapter.”
The 1,500 square foot building along Mississippi 609, north of the Ocean Springs drawbridge, is for rent and has a drive-thru.
Sun Herald reporter Scott Watkins contributed to this report.
This story was originally published December 30, 2024 at 2:08 PM.
