Page 62 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2022

WHAT'S
While most of us were at home during the coronavirus pandemic, planners and developers were readily preparing South Mississippi projects for when the country reopened.
NEW
And now, halfway through 2022, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has commercial, residential, and amusement construction either underway or completed.
IN
story by Cherie Ward
"Since the beginning of the year, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce has seen a real burst of new members," said Adele Lyons, chief executive officer at the chamber. "I believe this is an indication that the Coast economy is strong and growing."
One of the most anticipated projects on the Coast is the first Mississippi-based Buc-ee's Travel Center, and it's currently underway at the Menge Avenue exit off Interstate-10 in Pass Christian.
2022
The Texas-based convenience store chain
is reportedly investing $50 million in the 80,000-square-foot store with the Harrison County Board of Supervisors tossing in $15 million for infrastructure at the location to help support the business. The makeover will expand Menge Avenue and create more opportunities for businesses and jobs for that entire area.
Josh Smith, director of Buc-ee's operations Southeast, said the company is excited to open its first Mississippi location and described the Buc-ee's experience as, "When you walk in the door for the first time, you're going to be hit
by sensory overload. Sights and smells like the savory brisket and homemade fudge. Everything is baked at our stores. We're a fun place and a great environment."
Another highly anticipated project is
a $4 million ALDI grocery store under construction on U.S. 90 in Ocean Springs. The 21,000-square-foot chain store is the first in South Mississippi and ALDI corporate leaders said they plan to open as many as 35 new Gulf Coast-area stores by the end of 2022. Plans
for a sister store in Picayune on Memorial Boulevard are also underway.
"There is nothing like watching shoppers discover ALDI for the first time," said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI U.S. "There's a moment of surprise when they realize just how much they can save by shopping with us. We can't wait to
62 | August 2022
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