Downtown restaurant known for duck bites and cigar flights closes in South MS
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Downtown Bistro in Gulfport closed after four years; owner lists business.
- The menu and events built a loyal following via social media and live music.
- Ladner plans new Coast venture within a year; current lease and equipment for sale.
It opened on New Year’s Eve 2021 at the height of COVID-19 and now Downtown Bistro in Gulfport is closed and for sale.
“We made it four years,’ said owner Brian Ladner. In that time he and his fianceé, Niccole Bodenschatz, made the restaurant well-known for its duck bites, and the blackberry bacon grilled cheese and homemade chips on their creative menu.
Bodenschatz developed the social media presence and promotions. “She has been the drive behind this restaurant,” he said.
It was described in a Sun Herald food review as having a “Prohibition vibe with jazzy, speakeasy feel.” Customers were advised to check out the antique player piano and old movie star photos, relax on the couches and comfortable chairs and try the boudin and pepper jack egg rolls and the “killer good Cuban sandwich.”
They brought in local musicians for Saturday night entertainment, celebrated Sunday jazz brunch, provided cigar and bourbon flights and hosted wedding receptions, showers and many other events.
“It’s been home to a lot of people over the years,” Ladner said.
This is his fourth venture in the food and hospitality industry and Ladner said. “We want to go in a different direction.” He figures within a year they’ll be looking to open a new venture on the Coast.
He leases the building where the restaurant operated at 1307 25th Ave. in Gulfport and is selling the bistro and the equipment still in the building.
“We are open to offers,” he said. The sign on the door says to call him at 228-284-4531 for sale information.
