8 new businesses fueling South Mississippi's growth

South Mississippi continues to experience a surge of growth with the opening of diverse businesses across the region, reflecting a blend of culinary innovation, retail expansion, and community-driven projects. New dining establishments, such as a barbecue spot emphasizing farm-to-table offerings and a Gulfport slider restaurant drawing crowds, highlight a focus on unique, high-quality food experiences.

Legacy Park’s upcoming medical and retail development underscores investment in healthcare infrastructure, while small-town initiatives like a 1950s-themed diner and a chef-driven coastal cuisine restaurant showcase local entrepreneurship. With projects ranging from global culinary influences to large-scale developments, South Mississippi is positioning itself as a hub of economic and cultural vitality.

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

Joseph Mason, owner of 4 Bulls Farm to Table restaurant and the adjacent butcher shop, chops pulled pork in the kitchen of the restaurant in Ocean Springs on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

NO. 1: NEW ‘LOW AND SLOW’ BARBECUE RESTAURANT OPENS IN SOUTH MS. HERE’S WHAT’S FOR LUNCH

First came 4-Bulls butcher shop and now 4-Bulls BBQ restaurant is open in the same building, with beef brisket, ribs, chicken and sweets. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Chef Scott’s Asian Cuisine in Ocean Springs on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

NO. 2: HIS FAMOUS SUSHI IS BACK AS CHEF CHANGES THE NAME OF HIS NEW SOUTH MS RESTAURANT

He built a sushi bar himself and Chef Scott is again preparing sushi at his newly named restaurant in South Mississippi. | Published January 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

Dinner served at Chef Scott’s Asian Cuisine Sushi and Hibachi in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. By Scott Watkins

NO. 3: BUC-EE’S NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR CASHIERS AND OTHER POSITIONS AT NEW SOUTH MS STORE

More than 200 full time jobs will be created at the new Buc-ee’s in Harrison County, MS. Applicants can wait for the job fair or apply online now. | Published January 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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

NO. 4: 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

Czak’s Coastal Cuisine will open in South Mississippi with fresh seafood and other Coast favorites and indoor and outdoor seating in the downtown. By Courtesy of Czak's Coastal Cuisine

NO. 5: HE TRAINED WITH JAMES BEARD CHEFS AND IS OPENING COASTAL CUISINE RESTAURANT IN SOUTH MS

Fresh shrimp and seafood from South Mississippi, gumbo that already has a following of fans and bread pudding that marries French toast and crème brûlée will be on the menu at new Coast restaurant. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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

NO. 6: 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

The future home of P.S. Taco Company is next to Jersey Mike’s and a massage spa at Crossroads in Gulfport. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 7: AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR, OPENING DAY NEARS FOR FIRST P.S. TACO ON MS COAST. HERE’S MORE

All food and drink choices on the menu of this new restaurant are priced at $15 or less and many are under $10. Here’s what to know. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

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. 8: 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

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.