Business breakthroughs in South Mississippi 2025

South Mississippi’s economic landscape in 2025 reveals a trend toward diversified development anchored by strategic investments and revitalized infrastructure. High-traffic commercial projects, such as the expansive Buc-ee’s travel center, signal both consumer demand and public commitment to generating long-term economic ripple effects beyond a single business. Historic preservation intersects with entrepreneurship, as efforts like turning a 121-year-old train depot into a brewpub show how restoration fuels the region’s creative economy.

Well-known brands like ALDI, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle are reshaping retail and dining accessibility, reviving former spaces and drawing new foot traffic. Meanwhile, local ventures—from a Mexican-style ice cream parlor to a luxe bar and lounge—demonstrate a growing emphasis on experience-driven commerce and community-centered placemaking.

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

Joe Cloyd, who will develop the old Pascagoula train station in Pascagoula, poses for a portrait in the building on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The building will eventually house the latest location of Chandeleur Island Brewing Company. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 2: HISTORIC SOUTH MS TRAIN DEPOT TRANSFORMS TO A BREW PUB. ‘IT’S A BUILDING WORTH SAVING’

The station was built in 1904 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration will save the building and bring a new experience to downtown. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The inside of Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor in D’Iberville on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 3: NEW SOUTH MS ICE CREAM PARLOR OFFERS A CHOICE OF SWEET, SAVORY, AND EVEN SPICY TREATS

It’s bright and colorful, with dozens of choices of ice cream and other sweets, plus some savory, salty selections. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez

The future site of The Crown on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: SEAFOOD ICON ADDING SOMETHING NEW — AN UPSCALE BAR AND LOUNGE IN THIS SOUTH MS DOWNTOWN

The Crown will have royal touches like chandeliers and brass accents for an elegant experience. | Published March 24, 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

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.