The new White Pillars restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi, is set to open mid to late November of 2017. The concept is farm-to-table as Chef Austin Sumrall is a proponent of utilizing ingredients he is able to find and source locally. The entire restaurant will be surrounded with this idea as all art, dish ware, tables, etc., will be coming from right here in Mississippi. The Sumralls are proud to call Mississippi home and want to showcase our state within their restaurant.
Recently, a party was held to announce the re-branding of the restaurant and to allow local dignitaries and media a glimpse into the renovations. The Sumralls unveiled the new branding for the restaurant, which created even more excitement as the Gulf Coast has been looking forward to the return of this Biloxi icon.
Opened in 1970, the White Pillars was known to the state as “perhaps the most magnificently furnished establishment of its kind in Mississippi,” as it featured many antiques dating back to the mid 1800's. Dripping with crystal chandeliers and historical atmosphere, the restaurant was open for 19 years. Just prior to closing, White Pillars was honored by The Wine Spectator for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. The restaurant was minimally damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In 2008, some restoration began, but was paused. In 2012, the renovations were complete with the intent to lease the property.