Page 147 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Lilian Perez
Owner
Saying she grew up in a restaurant booth,
Lilian Perez is no stranger to the business. She’s now owner/manager of Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant. “My parents kept us close even when at work. I remember being dropped off by the school bus, having cheese dip as a snack and watching curiously how my family made a living as I did my homework.”
Back then, Perez only knew two words in English: boy and girl. “I credit learning English to three things: early Disney movies, 1980s Kiss movies, and wanting to make my teacher proud. This was before any programs had been implemented for teachers to deal with immigrant children.”
Her own child, Shawn Miguel, goes off to college at Ole Miss this year and she could not be more proud of his accomplishments. Professionally, she is opening a new restaurant in the heart of Ocean Springs and is excited about the possibilities.
Perez likes that her restaurant has become the place for celebrations. “Little-big moments humble us as they remind me that this is bigger than what I could imagine for myself,” she says. “I love the connections I am blessed to form with our Pepe’s family and guests.”
10027 Central Ave., D’Iberville 228.396.0044 pepesbosquemexicanrestaurant@outlook.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2025 | 147