A mac and cheese restaurant is opening on the MS Coast. Here are the details.
The first I Heart Mac & Cheese restaurant in Mississippi is under construction and set to open on the Coast this fall.
The ultimate in comfort food is coming to 2059 East Pass Road in Gulfport, between Cowan and DeBuys roads, where Pinkston Music previously operated.
When it opens in about 90 days, the restaurant will feature made-to-order, build your own macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches.
John Eustace and Steve Curtindale have investments in other industries, but this is their first restaurant venture.
“We researched quite a lot before we made the decision,” Eustace said.
The next closest restaurant in the brand is in Port Arthur, Texas, and he said, “I just seemed like a new and exciting concept.”
How made-to-order works
Customers start by asking for regular or gluten-free pasta. Or they can have their bowl built on a base of broccoli, cauliflower or quinoa for healthy choices.
Next comes the toppings on the menu.
“We have 9-10 different sauces to choose from,” Eustace said, such as traditional cheddar cheese, ranch, mango habanero or sesame ginger.
“Yes, we have bacon,” he said, along with marinated short rib, pulled pork, buffalo chicken and other meats, and even lobster.
Those eating vegetarian or vegan can top their bowl with their choice of about a dozen fresh vegetables. Customers also can forego the pasta and create their own salad.
Eight varieties of cheese are the final choice before the bowl is flash warmed, stirred together and ready to eat.
These toppings also can go between bread for a customized grilled cheese sandwich.
‘& More’ added to the name
Eustace said since he and Curtindale met with the CEO and chef at the headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, the words “and More” were added to the I Heart Mac & Cheese name. It lets people know there are other options, he said.
With the menu of chef’s specials, customers and try the mac and cheese or grilled Philly cheese steak made with slow roasted short rib, a Cuban or the ultimate splurge — lobster and white truffle mac, made with Maine lobster and finished with white truffle oil.
The majority of the bowl and sandwiches will be priced at about $9 to $10, Eustace said, with an extra charge for double protein and the lobster mac.
Customers will be able to eat inside the restaurant or outside on the covered patio. Eustace said he thinks the Gulfport restaurant will be the first location with a window for takeout.
A double helping of Mac and Cheese
The Gulfport restaurant will open later this fall and Eustace said, “We’re going to be bringing two of these to the Coast.”
They plan to wait about a year before deciding where to open the second location, he said.
A grand opening is planned this fall when construction is complete, he said, to introduce the public to the new fast casual restaurant.
