City of Gulfport already seeing economic growth after Amtrak return announced

Senator Roger Wicker, Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, and local small business owners met today to share their excitement for the return of passenger rail service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

More people are going to be discovering The Secret Coast now that Amtrak will be back on these tracks – and The City of Gulfport is already seeing a positive economic impact from it.

“Just this month I’ve been told that there are three new restaurants that are going to be coming to Downtown Gulfport,” said Mayor Billy Hewes. “It’s not just Downtown – it’s the entire region. There’s so much to see and do down here, and the more people discover, the more they give good word-of-mouth, and the more people get on the train and come again.”

Shannon and Octavio Arzola – owners of Pop Brothers – are opening one of those new restaurants – an authentic Italian place called “Tavi’s Salumerie”

Opening a new business comes with big risks.

“There is a reason why 75% of small businesses don’t make it. It’s a lot of work,” said Octavio Arzola. “We work 7 days a week. We do everything we can to be successful. So, it’s very rewarding because you build something but it’s hard.”

With Amtrak’s return, however, they’re feeling optimistic. the two are excited to share both popsicles and Italian sandwiches with newcomers.

“The most fun part about our job is to meet all the people,” Shannon Arzola said. “We have people from almost every country in the whole world who have been in this shop which is crazy. It’s going to be great. How could it not be great?”

Senator Roger Wicker, who played a large role in bringing Amtrak back to Mississippi, believes it will not only benefit small businesses but also the community.

“It’s a win-win for everybody, but this is a job creator. That’s the point we’re trying to make in Downtown Gulfport today,” Senator Wicker said. “This is a small business with between 20 and 30 employees. They’re expanding, and as they expand, they create jobs. And that’s the way America expands jobs is small business.”

Amtrak is estimated to return in the Spring of 2025.