Taste of South Mississippi - Calling all Restaurants
January 30, 2026 - Mississippi Gulf Coast Get ready to turn up the heat—Taste of South Mississippi is back! The Salvation Army Kroc Center invites restaurants across the Mississippi Gulf Coast to showcase their signature dishes at one of the area’s most anticipated culinary events of the year.
Restaurants will compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award, earning bragging rights as the community’s favorite while supporting The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s youth programs and scholarship fund.
Last year’s crowd favorites included People’s Choice Champion: The Rack House Steaks & Spirits, with Kroc Star Award Winners Adventures Pub & Spirits and Mr. & Mrs. Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar (Gulfport). Who will take the title this year?
Event Details
Taste of South Mississippi
Thursday, March 26, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
575 Division Street, Biloxi
This high-energy evening brings together food lovers, local chefs, live music by the Mississippi Songwriters, People’s Choice voting, and a silent auction—all for a great cause.
Why Participate?
- Glory: Earn the People’s Choice Award and recognition as a Coast culinary standout
- Exposure: Connect with food enthusiasts, media, and community influencers
- Impact: Support youth programming and scholarships that change lives right here on the Coast
How to Participate
Complete the online forms at KrocMSCoast.org
Questions? Contact Danielle Emery at 228-374-9100
Restaurant Participation Requirements
Provide 350+ tastings, along with all paper products and utensils
Bring your own table coverings and décor 1-2 tables will be provided
Be set up and ready to serve by 5:00 p.m. (setup available from 1:00–4:45 p.m.)
Remain for the duration of the event to be eligible for People’s Choice voting
Tickets & Community Impact
Tickets are $40 per person and are on sale now. Every ticket supports The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s youth programs and scholarship fund, helping us reach our goal of $45,000 to invest in the future of local youth.
Current Participating Restaurants
- Half Shell Oyster House
- Chicken Salad Chick D’Iberville
- Mr. & Mrs. Crab
- Mary’s Freeze Dried Snax
- Raising Cane’s
- Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi
- Mary Mahoney’s Old French house
- Quave Brothers
- Adventures Pub & Spirits
- Mercados Catering
Event Sponsors
SuperTalk FM • Sparklight Advertising • WLOX • South Mississippi Living Magazine •
Play Coastal Mississippi • Treasure Bay Casino • Community Bank • Ingalls
For more information, call 228-207-1218.
Follow us on Instagram @kroccoast and Facebook @kroccentermscoast for updates and ticket giveaways.
Facebook Event Page: https://fb.me/e/1y8SetpTQ
2025 People’s Choice Champion: The Rack House Steaks & Spirits