‘We make everything in front of the customer,’ says owner of new MS Coast cafe
Balloons and confetti from Friday’s ribbon cutting still floated around the new Zaki’s Cafe, Ice Cream & Desserts as the first customers arrived for a taste of sandwiches and treats.
The name “Zaki’s” was chosen by 16-year-old son, Wally. “It’s catchy,” said owner Moe Alsous, who moved his family to the Coast seven years ago from Louisiana.
Their new restaurant at 2039 East Pass Road in Gulfport, just west of DeBuys Road, is clean and classic, black and white. The dazzle comes from the colorful photos and the tempting cakes and creamy gelato that fill the cases right inside the door.
“We make everything here,” Alsous said, except one brand of ice cream.
The kitchen isn’t in the back — “We make everything in front of the customer,” he said.
Behind the cases of treats is a row of equipment that turns out bubble waffles, regular waffles, crepes and milkshakes made with gelato.
Open early, open late
They also roast their own coffee and manager Angelica Zaldivar said the take-out window is open for those who want to pull up on the way to work for a coffee and pastry. They can call ahead and have it ready if they’re in a big hurry.
To catch the coffee crowd, Zuki’s opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, and a little later on weekends. The cafe stays open to 10 p.m. every night for those nighttime cravings.
It’s one of the few places in the area offering Turkish coffee — a bold, unfiltered coffee brewed with cardamom and served strong and rich. Teas, hot chocolate and a tangy mango dragonfruit lemonade are among the other beverage choices.
Coffees range from $3 for an 8 ounce coffee with a shot of espresso to $8 for a 16 ounce Frappuccino.
Those who want more than coffee for breakfast can add a boiled egg for a high protein start or make it a sweet beginning with danish, a savory puff pastry cinnamon roll, empanadas filled with hot dog or cheese, or they can bite into a Dubai croissant.
Lite and fresh salads and sandwiches are on the menu for lunch and dinner and are priced around $9-$10. Caesar, Italian, chicken are among the salad selections and their house salad is topped with Greek cheese and specialty Italian dressing. Along with roast beef, turkey and club sandwiches is veggie made with fresh avocado, garden vegetables and feta.
Sweet treats
“Like to eat ice cream? We have it,” Alsous said, of the dessert served in cups and waffles and with sauces and sprinkles. The gelato base makes it a healthier choice, he said.
“I like how the gelato tastes,” said Wally Alsous, who grew up eating these treats. “It just tastes exactly like it is,” like Oreo and Snickers and pistachio.” His favorite of all the desserts is the cheesecake.
They specialize in French and Italian pastries., and there are plenty of American favorites in the case, like apple pie, carrot cake, banana cake and red velvet cake.
Pistachio is a repeating theme, in green cake, cheesecake and gelato.
Seating is grouped throughout the restaurant, with a couple of soft chairs in the front window, high-top tables and booths. They’re building out a meeting area for small groups or a family celebration fueled with tasty treats.
This story was originally published May 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
