Page 107 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2015

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September 2015 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 107
Joanne O’Keefe
Nezaty’s Café
360 Courthouse Road Gulfport, MS
228.897.1139 www.nezatyscafe.com
My Business: Nezaty’s Café is a favorite local meeting and eating spot. It is truly a “hidden gem” in terms of ambience, convenient location, and consistently
great food. Stuffed breakfast croissants, scones, and muffins are served Monday thru Friday from 7am until they run out!
For lunch the Panini grillers and sandwiches are made to order on Artisan breads. From classic French dips to the vegetarian Mushrooms Gone Wild Panini to low carb alternatives, Nezaty’s can accommodate everyone.
The signature black bean soup is made daily along with a soup du jour. The best muffalatta this side of New Orleans can be found here; along with a huge Reuben
on generous slices of marble rye. Our salads are always fresh with generous servings of toppings. The coffee is brewed all day long. We brew some of the finest coffees from around the world from Coast Roast, our local bean roaster.
Journey that lead to my current position: In 2002 after living
in Atlanta for 15 years with a career in environmental and waste management, I returned to the Coast with my son, Jeff; then a senior in high school, to live closer to my parents. The summer of 2005, two months before Katrina I bought the café. The Café sustained heavy wind and rain damage. After many long
hard hours and a crash course in setting up a commercial kitchen, the café reopened in December with a handful of employees and friends. During the coming years seasoned restaurant owners shared their knowledge and expertise with me. With the help of other owners, vendors, friends, family and the best staff, I am now beginning my 11th year of owning Nezaty’s Café.
What I like best about what I do:
The best thing about owning Nezaty’s is being able to meet new people every day and keep up with the lives of regular customers. I have made lifelong new friends and reconnected with old friends. In addition to
our customers, I have had the privilege of employing some outstanding people; some who have stayed for years, others who have gone on to pursue other careers. My current amazing staff includes April, Brook, Lauren, Bobby, Paul, and Brianna.
Thank you friends and loyal customers! Your patronage and loyalty is much appreciated! Thank you April and staff! You guys are the best!
IN BUSINESS