Businesses We Welcomed and Lost in 2011

Welcome to Gulfport

1.) Neptune Bar and Grille, on Beach and Shore Boulevard, opened on Jan. 11. Learn more about the Greek and seafood cuisine in our spotlight story "Pleasure Doing Business: Neptune Bar and Grille." Congratulations, Kostandinos (Gus) Vartsakis, on your one-year anniversary in Gulfport.

2.) Live Curly Free Salon, in the Art Village Courtyard, opened April 5, 2011. We were there when owner Tiffany Anderson serviced her first customer! Learn more about this new business in "New in Town: Live Curly Live Free Salon."

3.) Gulfport Super Gas, at 49th St. S. and Gulfport Blvd. S., opened the third week of April. Residents say owner Ken Edwards worked hard to make Gulfport Super Gas unique, offering fresh food and a boutique area. Learn more in "New in Town: Gulfport Super Gas."

4.) T and Me Tea Company, in the Art Village Courtyard, opened in May. This new hot spot is "your teapot away from home." Learn more about owners James and Tania Clark in our story, "New in Town: T and Me Tea Company Paints the Future with Hope."

5.) Red Hot Tiki, at 2904 Beach Blvd., opened in August. The popular Fresh Market vendor moved into a permanent space on Beach Blvd. Learn about their homemade hot sauces in "New in Town: Red Hot Tiki."

6.) The Stinger Bar, at 2222 49th St. S., opened June 24. The Stinger Bar offers locals a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. Learn more about the bar in our story "New in Town: The Stinger Bar".

7.) The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles, 2825 Beach Blvd. S., opened this summer. Proprietors of the relatively new Beach Boulevard business artfully filled a cottage with vintage furniture, retro collectibles, paintings and storied pieces. Learn more about the owners and their antiques in our story, "New in Town: The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles."

8.) Anytime NY Pizza, 2930 Beach Blvd., originally opened on Feb. 17. In August, Dan Mouneimne bought the business, tweaked the menu and is changing the name to "Mad Greek Pizza." Learn more about the new owners in "New in Town: New Owner Gives Anytime Pizza Some New York Flair."

9.) Country Harvest,  3007 Beach Blvd. opened on Oct. 1. Owner Cindi Stevens began making all natural soaps and selling them at Art Walks and Fresh Markets. Now she's selling homemade bath and body products. Learn more in "New in Town: Country Harvest Soap".

10.) The Secret Room, at the entrance of the Peninsula Inn and Spa, opened this fall. Owner Mary Joyner fills the shop with jewelry, books and artwork. Learn more in "The (Not-So) Secret Room: Art, Jewerly and More."

11.) Cousin's Pizzeria, 2813 Beach Blvd., just opened up the first week in December. Cousin’s Pizzeria serves authentic New York-style pizzas. Learn more about the menu in "New in Town: Cousin's Pizzeria."

Thank You For Your Business

1.) Java Nirvana Cafe closed in April 2011. The location has since been filled by T and Me Tea Company.

2.) Bellinis Mediterranean Grill closed in March 2011. 

3.) Uniquely Original Art Gallery closed on April 29, 2011.

4.) The Outpost closed in September 2011. The location has since been filled by Country Harvest.

5.) Beach'n Body Boutique closed shortly before Red Hot Tiki moved into the storefront on Beach Blvd. in August.