Food & Drink

Seven fresh trends in restaurant openings along the Gulf Coast

Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization

Along the Gulf Coast, restaurants are launching bold new concepts and revitalizing local dining. Families enjoy fresh experiences at Luckies Diner, which blends retro '50s style with a modern play space for children. Savvy Sliders brings quick, creative sliders and hand-spun shakes to large crowds, while El Fornino Pizzeria offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and warm pasta dishes beside the beach.

The area also welcomes new types of treats and entertainment with Emmay Mochi Donuts and the Hero Claw Kingdom, plus an upcoming Asian street food spot. Anticipation also builds for Chipotle and Chick-fil-A joining a growing restaurant hub in Ocean Springs, signaling a continued boom in food options.

Work continues on the construction of Buc-ee’s in Harrison County on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 1: IS BUC-EE’S A ONE-SHOT WONDER FOR SOUTH MISSISSIPPI OR WILL MORE BUSINESSES FOLLOW?

The focus has been to get the new bridge and Buc-ee’s travel center open along I-10 in South Mississippi. Now it’s time to go after more business for that area of Harrison County. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The specialty custard shakes at newly opened Savvy Sliders in Gulfport, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 2: NEW GULFPORT SLIDER RESTAURANT OPENS TO HUGE CROWDS WEDNESDAY. HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE SAID

“Outstanding.” Savvy Sliders impressed on opening day in Gulfport. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

The churros at El Fornino Pizzeria in Biloxi, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 3: BILOXI HAS A BRAND NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT OFF HIGHWAY 90. THE FOOD RATES 5 OUT OF 5 STARS

El Fornino combines wood-fired pizza and authentic Italian entrees. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

Luckies Diner owners Byren, right, and Hanna Ferguson pose for a portrait with their son Riley outside the new diner in Vancleave on Monday, March 10, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: NEW DINER OPENS IN SOUTH MS WITH FLAVORS OF THE ’50S AND SPICED-UP CHOICES ON THE MENU

New ‘50s diner in South Mississippi has traditional burgers, fries, sundaes and sides, and also some surprises like spicy mac and cheese balls. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The future site of a new Chick-fil-A and Chipotle in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 5: HERE’S THE LATEST ON THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A AND CHIPOTLE RESTAURANTS IN OCEAN SPRINGS

The popular chicken and Mexican restaurants were announced in June and more restaurants could follow. | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Breakfast served at new brunch restaurant Vicious Biscuit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 6: FIRST VICIOUS BISCUIT IN MS IS THRIVING. IS IT WORTH THE DRIVE ... AND THE WAIT?

We made the trip up Highway 49 for biscuits. Here’s whether or not you should, too. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Watkins

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.