The Reef Opens Just in Time for Final Cruisin’ Weekend

The Gulf Coast has plenty of great places to eat, and right before Cruisin’ the Coast started, one more was added. The Reef, on Highway 90 in Biloxi, opened just in time for all the cruisers.

Cruisin’ the Coast lured central Mississippi tourist, Anita Waltman, and her family to the Coast. The ‘Now Open’ sign outside of The Reef is what reeled them in to try out the restaurant. Now they’re hooked. Waltman says, "This is our second day on the Coast and we’ve been back four times. The food is great and the service is wonderful."

Just 90 days ago, the restaurant was an empty lot. Owner, Rob Stinson, had hoped to open the restaurant in time for Cruisin’. Thanks to the City of Biloxi, The Reef opened just in time. Stinson says, "It was great working with the city that cooperates and really helps a business to get open first and foremost. Secondly, it was exciting because we set a deadline and we’re thrilled."

Marianne Shaffer, a server at The Reef, says, "It’s very exciting as well as intimidating. We opened so quickly and I didn’t think that we would all be ready, but everybody was excited. A lot of cruisers coming in, we’ve been busy."

It’s been nine years since Hurricane Katrina, but only a handful of businesses have built on the south side of Highway 90 since then. Stinson feels the benefits are worth the risk. He says, "We wanted to get back on the beach. There is such a draw for tourists and locals to be back on the water."

The Reef opened just in time for Cruisin’ the Coast, and with great seafood like tuna dip, you can expect them to be around for years to come. Stinson also says, "I think we’re going to be a venue that offers something for the family, kids, eventually will have a playground on the beach. We’ve got things that restaurants don’t have, plus this fantastic view."

The view and the food are something Waltman and her family are enjoying while on the Coast. Waltman closes, "Very fresh, very tasty, and they should come here to try it. It’s nothing like any other restaurant around.”

Stinson hopes visitors and locals alike will enjoy his new restaurant. The Reef has more than a dozen big screen TVs, pool tables, and live music on the weekends.