The Downtowner, the long-awaited retro-modern diner in downtown Gulfport, opened its doors Tuesday morning. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the eatery features old-school comfort food in a storied setting.
The diner is in the former Triplett-Day Drug Co., an iconic family-run pharmacy, diner and gift shop that closed in 2020 after 65 years in business.
“We want to honor the business that was here before us, that meant so much in this community, and we’re so glad to be a part of that,” owner Robert St. John said.
Dozens of customers sit down to order breakfast during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
St. John is the culinary visionary behind New South Restaurant Group, a hospitality company with restaurants in Hattiesburg. The Downtowner is the newest addition to the celebrated chef’s portfolio, signaling his expansion to the Coast.
For some locals, the opening feels like a return to an earlier era in downtown Gulfport.
“It was a historic location in downtown Gulfport,” diner Todd Lafferty said. “It’s great to see that Robert St. John from Hattiesburg came down and restored the building and is actually opening it back up now.”
The Downtowner’s menu includes breakfast items such as bacon-and-cheddar omelets, bananas Foster French toast, and chicken and waffles. Breakfast is served all day. Lunch options include sandwiches, burgers and salads.
The diner also offers drinks such as mimosas, iced coffee, and bloody marys. Blue-plate specials let diners choose a meat with Southern sides such as fried okra, black-eyed peas, turnip greens and cheese grits. Guests can finish their meal with pastries shipped from St. John’s Loblolly Bakery in Hattiesburg.
“I’m just happy to have an opportunity to eat breakfast in downtown Gulfport for work. It’s something that’s been missed for years and years,” Lafferty said.
Customers are seated in booth seats during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Customers are seated for breakfast during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The main dining area of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Customers are seated in booths during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Customers are seated during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Various breakfast dishes are ready to be served to customers during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A customer stands on a branded mat as she waits for a table during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A sign welcoming customers in as owner Robert St. John speaks to customers during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
People walk into The Downtowner during its opening day in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The outside of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A breakfast dish with eggs, bacon, hash browns and a biscuit are served to a customer at the breakfast bar during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Various breakfast dishes are ready to be served to customers during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The outside of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Food is served from the kitchen during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Servers bring food walk through the breakfast bar area as they pick up dishes to serve their customers during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The door to The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Customers eat in booth seats during the opening day of The Downtowner in Gulfport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 10:14 AM.
