The BlowFly Inn in Gulfport is getting several trendy upgrades as well as a brand-new owner and a different, but similar, name.
Jonathan Allen, the owner of Allen Toyota, purchased the restaurant in September from the previous owner Dr. Victor Bazzone. When the eatery opens in December, it will be called the BlowFly Bar & Grill.
“We want to remember the BlowFly Inns’ past and honor it, yet bring the restaurant into the new age and give the next generations of ‘BlowFly’ers’ a place to call home,” Allen said.
Renovation plans include adding additional outdoor seating and a floating dock for boating guests. The interior will be opened up to reveal an artistic vaulted ceiling and brand-new bar that will span the whole length of the restaurant.
The menu will be a mix of old-school BlowFly fan favorites as well as a few new trends. Patrons can expect to find the famous she-crab soup, hearty gumbo, and delectable seafood pasta. The BlowFly burger and BlowFly steaks are making a comeback as well as the dessert cooler the original restaurant was known to keep fully stocked with an array of delicious cakes and other sweet treats.
New additions include pressed shrimp po’boys, shrimp and grits, and seafood platters. Also new will be brunch, daily lunch specials, and a fully stocked bar with wine, craft beer, and high-quality spirits.
“South Mississippi loves to eat,” Allen said, adding that the signature BlowFly plastic fly would also make a comeback, but be offered at the end of each meal.
“New health code rules say we can’t put them on the plates with the food,” Allen said. “But we will still have them available.”
Allen said he wanted to buy and renovate the establishment because he grew up eating at the original restaurant.
“I am so very excited to have this opportunity to be a part of such a special place that I can remember going to it often as a child and all in between since then,” he said. “I look forward to bringing that special touch to a quality dining experience with the beautiful view of Bayou Bernard for many years to come. It’s an honor to serve south Mississippi with four local businesses that I am involved in and I promise to put my heart and soul into this just as I have with the others including J Allen Toyota, TripleTails BSL, JA Mobile Car Care, and now the wonderful BlowFly Bar and Grill.”
Allen hired Kellie Peleaz as the operations manager of the restaurant and he plans to handle the marketing and advertising aspects himself.
“I’ll be there as much as I can,” Allen said. “We have hired a very competent kitchen and wait staff that will serve our guests professionally and with care.”
