South MS restaurant that opened with great hopes closes amid heavy competition
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ocean Springs Rib Crib restaurant closed on Monday after 4.5 years.
- Owners opened the first Mississippi Rib Crib in October 2021 after a remodel.
- Owner faced competition and rising meat and supply prices.
It was the first Rib Crib franchise in Mississippi when it opened in 2021 and on Monday, the owners announced it was closing that day in Ocean Springs.
“These past 4.5 years have been a blessing for us, and we are thankful for all the memories, support and love this community has shown through the years,” the Facebook post said.
Loyal customers made one last dash Monday for the last lunch and dinner before the doors were locked.
Owners Kerry Tirman from Escatawpa and Brian Pullman from Texas had high hopes for the restaurant when they opened it in October 2021. The effects of the COVID-shutdowns were over, and they had completely reconfigured and remodeled the restaurant at 4505 Bienville Blvd. Reclaimed heart pine from buildings in New Orleans glowed as warm accents throughout the casual restaurant.
“This is our first one, and we have plans to open multiple sites in South Mississippi and South Alabama,” Tirman said at the time.
Rib Crib is based in Oklahoma and the restaurants largely feature meat-and-two-side meals. Meat is smoking 24 hours a day and freshly sliced to order. Favorites are slow-roasted ribs with their signature dry rub and “Okie” sauce, along with pulled pork, brisket, turkey and sausage. Ten sides paired to go with barbecue give choices like potato salad, sweet and smoky beans and fried okra.
The building where Rib Crib was housed is another in South Mississippi one that has seen a heavy turnover. It’s on a less-populated stretch of U.S. 90 between Walmart in western Ocean Springs and Lowe’s in Gautier. A large apartment complex opened nearby, but the restaurant owners had to contend with the heavy restaurant competition in South Mississippi and rising prices for meat and other supplies.
Customers said they will miss the restaurant, that it’s the place they took out of town friends and who catered their wedding.
Crystal Lea Lawler said she’s been the general manager at Rib Crib in Ocean Springs for three years and appreciates the kind works. “You all are making a sad time a little bit brighter. We will definitely miss each and every one of you,” she said.
