Mississippi Coast restaurateur buys beachfront lot vacant since Katrina. What’s his plan?

Restauranteur Rob Stinson is launching a new venture that will bring some needed development to the Biloxi-Gulfport line.

Stinson bought the property on the east side of Debuys Road where the Friendship House once stood and later Olive Garden restaurant.

Stinson, who owns The Reef in Biloxi and Salute in downtown Gulfport, is going to build a convenience store on the property.

Site work has begun and Stinson says it will be open before the end of the year. He says the lack of a gas station that sells non-ethanol along Highway 90 really spurred his idea and he brought Chevron on as a partner on the project.

Stinson’s development will have that non-ethanol available as part of the high-end store he’s planning, along with 24-hour security, good lighting, and clean restrooms.

It will offer grocery staples, and of course, Stinson’s brand of healthy foods will also be available. “So, we saw a huge need and the study showed it could be very successful. Then thought coupling that with some great food, which is something that we’re really well known for. I don’t think we can miss.”

Long range plans also call for some rental units on the back of the property.

This story was originally published August 2, 2023 at 10:03 AM.