Ms. Audrey’s Southern Kitchen in Gulfport celebrates ten years in business
GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)-A Gulfport restaurant celebrated a big milestone Friday with members of the community.
The line was out the door as the community showed up to Ms. Audrey’s Southern Kitchen and Catering to celebrate her ten-year anniversary.
Over the past decade, Ms. Audrey’s has become a staple on the Mississippi Coast as friends and family share their love for the beloved owner.
During the celebration, Ms. Audrey received a state proclamation from the District 119 Mississippi House Representative Jeffrey Hulum III. Ms. Audrey also received a proclamation from Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes. “She is such a wonderful heart for this community. She gives of herself, of her resources. I’ve never known her say to say no to any good cause, so this outpouring by the community is not a surprise. It’s a wonderful thing and a tribute to her success, but it goes back to her character, and again you can’t beat her food.”
Ms. Audrey was taken aback by the high praise. “Oh my gosh that was something I definitely did not expect. It lets you know that your work does not go unnoticed. It’s been ten years of so many ups and downs and hanging in here to be able to not be able to only serve food, but to support the people in my community.”
Customer Carolyn Whitescarver said, “She doesn’t meet strangers. What she does that’s very impressive she comes out and goes from table to table, introduces herself to make you feel like you’re at home.”
Ms. Audrey credits all of her success to her faith. “Every day it’s all about God. And it’s an honor to be of use as a vessel by God no matter what skin color you are. But you know the struggle it’s been for black businesses and to be able to sustain and keep fighting and to be where I am today, it’s an honor.”
Ms. Audrey is showing no signs of slowing down. After spending ten years on the Coast, Ms. Audrey’s is opening a new location in Hattiesburg on May 1st. “I am looking forward to that because I love working with the military which is like one of my number one customer. So, to be at that base and be able to serve those soldiers a good momma’s home cooked meal is going to be ecstatic.”
