After 33 years, Castaways is gone. Here’s what to know about closure, what’s next
After more than three decades of burgers, music and welcome on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Castaways Bar and Grill served its last customers. The Ocean Springs property has changed hands, with a national chain set to take its place.
Here are key takeaways:
- Castaways Bar and Grill closed in April after 33 years, with owner Jenny Salter retiring from the beloved Coast restaurant.
- The beachy blue building at 2114 Bienville Blvd. housed Castaways for 16 of those years, known for its food, weekend music, pool tables and a dining deck under the trees that even had a menu for dogs.
- Salter credited her longtime staff, saying most of her employees stuck with her for 15 to 20 years and helped her through difficult times.
- A sale of restaurant equipment and memorabilia was held for those wanting a keepsake.
- A Qdoba Mexican Eats will be built in place of Castaways, with demolition of the building set for completion this week.
- Managing partners Ben and Kat Kaufman plan to open the new Ocean Springs Qdoba location in early December, with an outdoor patio out front and hiring already underway.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
Mary Perez
Sun Herald