Former Lucy’s sold on Biloxi Beach. Big changes are coming to Restaurant Row
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Shaggy’s owners acquired the former Lucy’s site but have not disclosed plans.
- Former Kingjak restaurant is being converted into a beachfront event venue.
- Cristiano Boardwalk homes under construction aim to house bridal party guests.
Restaurant Row in Biloxi is seeing big changes that will bring new energy and a surprise to the beachfront in Biloxi.
The waterfront restaurants are a favorite place for sunset views and strolls along the boardwalk. The area has seen several changes in owners over the past 10 years.
Now the restaurant that housed Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, which closed in August 2024, was sold by Southeast Commercial Realty.
The new owners are neighbors who have operated Shaggy’s on Biloxi Beach for years. They also own Shaggy’s restaurants at the beach in Gulfport, Pass Christian and Pensacola, Florida, and on the reservoir in Brandon.
Co-owner Ron Ladner said they aren’t ready yet to share their plans for the new building right next door.
He and Rimmer Covington Jr. have created in Shaggy’s open-air restaurants “a place where you can come in and leave in a better mood than when you got there,” Ladner said.
They also are known for giving back to the community by taking local kids out fishing and supporting and by donating to local causes.
More changes on the Row
As the owners of Shaggy’s prepare for what they will do at the former Lucy’s, work continues on the other side of the building, where the former Kingjaks restaurant is being transformed into a wedding and events venue.
Rob Stinson, who owns The Reef on Restaurant Row and other Coast businesses, has teamed with Rick Camarena and other investors to create a place where couples can marry right there on the beach and have their reception inside.
“We’re calling it a wedding venue but it really is an events center,” said Freddie Fountain, the engineer overseeing the design of the venue to host anniversary parties, Mardi Grass celebrations and other events in addition to weddings.
A 3,500-square-foot addition, new windows overlooking the beach, a new roof, landscaping and a greenspace are part of the plans.
More changes on the way
In addition to the wedding and events venue, Stinson and Camarena are building Cristiano Boardwalk homes on the beach along the Biloxi Strip near Restaurant Row. They plan to keep two of the homes to accommodate bridal parties and families of brides and grooms.
Twenty years ago Hurricane Katrina destroyed Sharkheads souvenir shop, the restaurants and attractions along this strip of Biloxi. Since then, Sharkheads was reconstructed, South Beach hotel was built and a row of restaurants with sunsets and breezes has grown to become one of the landmarks on the beach in Biloxi.
This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 12:46 PM.
