Catfish Charlie in Gulfport to close after 45 years of business
GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — It’s the end of an era for Catfish Charlie in Gulfport.
After 45 years of business, the first catfish house on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be closing its doors in March. It’s a sad departure for owners Michael and Karen Sinopoli who have dedicated most of their lives to the business, but have now decided to retire.
“We’re in our 70’s and my wife said it’s time to retire,” said Michael Sinopoli.
“It’s time to travel. It’s time to do some things that we haven’t been able to do all these years,” said Karen Sinopoli.
Catfish Charlie first opened in 1980 by Michael Sinopoli’s father. Michael later took over the business alongside his wife. Their daughter, Danielle Sinopoli, eventually became a part owner. And over the years, the next generation joined in, with their grandchildren working at the restaurant as well — making it a true family operation spanning four generations.
“I grew up in the business. My father’s first restaurant was in 1959, and he’s had numerous restaurants over the years. He found this location, he and his younger brother, and they decided to open it in 1980. He asked myself to come in. Even though I had a day job, I came in on the weekends. I actually met my wife out here. She was working here at the time,” said Michael. “We have three generations of customers. Their children are now bringing their children, and we’ve seen quite a few faces that we have not seen in quite a few years. They’re now coming out and want to dine with us for one last time.”
After closing their doors for the final time in the coming weeks, the Sinopolis plan to host an estate sale — giving customers and community members the chance to take home pieces of the restaurant’s history, including the unique, longtime décor that once lined Catfish Charlie’s walls.
They say saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much to their family is bittersweet.
“You really feel it. You start feeling it, that its time to move forward and let someone else come in to this wonderful building. Dedeaux’s built this building and it’s just been such a warm hearted feeling every time people came into here, to have this place to come and bring your family — celebrate their anniversaries, and birthdays and all. They always say it’s just a warm, great feeling,” said Karen.
“I’m looking forward to the last few weeks that we’re open. It’s gonna be a heck of a ride the last few weeks,” said Michael.
“We hope so. We hope it’s a good weekend,” Karen said.
The owners say they are extremely grateful for the support they have received over the last 45 years. Catfish Charlie’s will be open every Friday and Saturday night until their final day of operation on March 14.
