Restaurant shake-up in South MS has one favorite closing and another moving in
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Evergreen closed 1019 Government St., ending 2.5 years of local service.
- Marcello's will replace Evergreen at 1019 Government St., bringing Italian fare.
- Frank Marcello expands from Crave Food Hall into downtown Ocean Springs core.
The Ocean Springs food scene is getting a stir, as one restaurant exits and another moves from the local food hall into the prime downtown space.
“Stay tuned,” Evergreen Ocean Springs posted Wednesday on Facebook when announcing that Evergreen had already closed.
“For the last 2.5 years, we have been ‘the little restaurant that could’ — and we have been honored to serve this community,” the Evergreen post said.
Evergreen at 1019 Government St., between Washington Avenue and Cash Alley, is being rebranded as Marcello’s – Taste of New Orleans and the goal is to open before the end of the year.
Owner Frank Marcello, who has 35 years of restaurant experience in Louisiana, took his first steps into Ocean Springs this summer when he opened in Crave Food Hall at OS 1515. The space is shared with several other restaurants and bars and is a few blocks farther from the center of downtown.
“His restaurant, Mandina’s in Mandeville, has long been a local favorite, and we’re thrilled to welcome his team to Ocean Springs,” the Evergreen management said.
Evergreen had loyal followers
This is another change of direction for the restaurant that was Charred and owned by the Nicaud restaurant group. It then was sold to the restaurant group led by Kenny Williams that also owns Mosaic Restaurant & Bar, Red Apple Lounge and other restaurants and bars in Ocean Springs.
That group is still involved in this new restaurant and rebrand, said Michael Davis, a partner in the venture.
Evergreen made the most of its location, with outdoor seating, palm trees and lanterns, and the interior graced with touches of exposed brick and moody teal walls.
Chef Davis Pardon created lunch, brunch and dinner menus that were both wander-in vacation casual and sit-and-relax sophisticated, with flavors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that loyal customers will miss.
“Your support, encouragement and friendship have meant everything. This has been a wonderful journey, and we’re excited for what’s ahead,” management said.
New Orleans meets Ocean Springs
“Marcello’s will be something special — and we know it will soon be one of your new favorite spots,” the Evergreen post said.
“We are beyond thrilled with this opportunity and look forward (to) sharing our menu with the incredible loyal patrons of Evergreen,” Davis said. “Stay tuned for our opening dates and updated hours.”
All the employees were offered jobs at this new restaurant, he said, and many are staying. “They’re excited about the changes taking place,” he said.
He expects Marcello’s to blend well with the other restaurants in the downtown, with its menu of red beans and rice, po-boys on fresh Leidenheimer French bread and other New Orleans’ favorites plus a few Italian dishes. Dining will be indoors and out, Davis said.
Marcello’s at the food hall has closed in preparation for the new location and rebrand. It served po-boys, pasta and seafood, with dishes like chicken picatta with a New Orleans kick to it, veal Parmesan po-boys and spaghetti and meatballs.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 2:27 PM.
