Page 99 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2025

going to whip this together and we came up with the cantina sauce that’s on the tacos. And being there in the beginning, seeing how he built everything, was just amazing.”
Genin even gave Jackson a notion for a side venture. “He gave me an idea to start my own cleaning company, and he supported me,” Jackson said.
“I cannot thank him enough and everyone in the crew of The Blind Tiger in Bay Saint Louis feels that way. He’s a great businessman, a great owner, and a great friend. Everyone here is like family.”
Kitchen Manager Pierre Collins echoed Jackson’s sentiments about the Bay St. Louis crew being a family. “It's true because we have so many different personalities and different cultures that we all just blend perfectly and have become one big family,” Collins said. “We have good people and great attitudes who just enjoy life and make the customers happy.”
Bay St. Louis Kitchen Lead Michelle Adamo will argue she has the best job in the restaurant, steaming the ever-popular Royal Red Shrimp complete with chunks of sausage, corn on the cob, new potatoes, and top-secret spices. She added Thursday is her favorite day to be in the kitchen. “That’s when we have the special on Royal Reds,” Adamo said. “I’ve been making them so long and people like the way I make them. They show up on Thursdays and make sure I’m in the kitchen. I enjoy seeing everyone enjoy them.”
Another long-time employee is Dee Schmelzer, who began
as General Manager of TBT Biloxi Beach just after its 2017 opening. “We have such an awesome vibe and the sunsets here are absolutely amazing,” Schmelzer said. “You can't come to work and stay in a bad mood. It’s just too beautiful. Plus, we have the best customers. They are always so much fun.”
She usually recommends hungry, parched patrons try a refreshing Mermaid Water or a decadent Bushwhacker, two of her favorites, or a heaping plate of Redfish Pasta that Schmelzer said is a definite can’t-miss-dish. And with summer just around the corner, she’s looking forward to recruiting a
few students to join the Biloxi Beach front and back houses.
“We don’t have a high turnover, but we always have kids looking for
summer jobs where they can meet people and work right on the beach. This is just such a great company to work for,” Schmelzer said.
With other eateries like the Depot District Deli and Backyard Beer Garden, the TBT restaurants have something everyone will enjoy. Their come-as-you-are mindset is always on tap, and you’ll never need a passport to partake in the island vibes.
Maurice “Reese” Jackson, Michelle Adamo and Pierre Collins.
May 2025 | 99
Glen Delsied, Rickey Peters and Bobby Bardwell.