Killer Crab & Seafood has been presented the Gautier Planning Commission’s 2020 Larry Moran Excellence Award.
The local restaurant, owned by brothers Drake and Chase Killingsworth, was honored during Thursday’s commission meeting. The brothers, who were brought up in a family of fishermen, opened the doors of Killer Crab & Seafood while still attending high school.
The business opened its first location at 3208 Ladnier Rd, but the restaurant quickly outgrew the space and moved to a larger location at 5116 Gautier Vancleave Rd.
“I was honored to help Drake and Chase open their first business location, and I am proud of their success and new, larger location,” Mayor Casey Vaughan said. “They are good examples of locals investing in their home community.”
The Larry Moran Excellence Award is presented annually by the Gautier Planning Commission to a deserving Gautier business or business leader who has exhibited planning or zoning excellence.
Since the relocation, Killer Crab & Seafood has made many upgrades to their new property and facilities, including a newly paved and striped parking lot, beautiful landscaping and curb appeal, and a large covered outdoor dining area.
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The restaurant is being recognized for excellent customer service, well-maintained building and grounds, and its welcoming atmosphere.
“They have done a phenomenal job revitalizing their new location, and they are an important part of our economic growth here in Gautier,” Vaughan said. “I wish them much more success, and I know Larry Moran would be proud of these young adults and their hard work and dedication.”
The late Larry Moran was a longtime member of the planning commission and an active community worker. He served as planning commissioner from 1997 to 2008 and was chairman for the last 10 years of his service. During his tenure, Moran was diagnosed with cancer, but he fulfilled his duties even while undergoing treatment.
The Gautier Planning Commission created the Larry Moran Excellence Award to honor Moran’s memory and dedicated service to the city of Gautier. The first award was presented in 2009.
The mayor and city council would like to thank the Gautier Planning Commission for their hard work, dedication and continuing efforts to honor Mr. Moran.
