The wainscoting walls, 14-foot ceilings and heart pine floors of the Pascagoula Train depot have a story to tell, and thanks to redevelopment grants and the foresight of local developers, a new chapter is being written in the 1904 structure.
Positioned alongside the active railroad tracks only steps away from the Pascagoula River, the historic train depot is breathing new life as the Chandeleur Depot Brew Pub where train passengers board and deboard the Amtrak Mardi Gras Line.
Joe Cloyd stands proudly inside the newly renovated structure and recalls the condition of the historic building when plans of today’s reality began to take shape more than three years ago.
“I truly don’t know how long it has been since this building was occupied, but it was probably not safe for a long time,” said Coast developer Cloyd. “When our teams first began estimating the renovations needed, the whole structure was leaning northward by nine degrees.”
Today it has taken a 360 degree turn to expose the rich history of the downtown Pascagoula building while offering the finest amenities of 2026. Walking through the doorway takes guests back in time with the outside gas lighting, original walls, floors and windows keeping it historically correct to retain its spot on the National Register of Historic Places where it was placed in 1974.
“This is the original ticket window,” Cloyd said of the tall, grill-covered window. “Originally it was made of iron, but today the look is replicated wood with a sheet of glass in between the layers.”
This “ticket window” offers a view from the main bar and dining area into the distilling bar. To the far east of the building lies an old-school arcade equipped with a shuffle board and other games to be enjoyed by guests of all ages. It also pays homage to Pascagoula’s native son, Jimmy Buffet, the original parrot head who coined the phrase “Pascagoula Run.”
This new life didn’t happen without a collaboration of people and resources. Cloyd partnered with Cam Roberds, owner of Chandeleur Island Brewing Company in Gulfport and C. Roberds General Contractors. Roberds’ construction company repaired the damage created by 120 years of coastal existence.
Funding for this project was allocated through Gulf Coast Restoration Funds and Pascagoula Redevelopment Authority grants secured by the City of Pascagoula with additional plans to include a park and outdoor seating.
Senator Brice Wiggins, a native of Pascagoula, was instrumental in securing these legislative funds. He said this restoration builds on the success brought by the Amtrak and is aligned with other restoration projects around the city and Coast.
“Gulf Coast Restoration Funds have been used to rebuild downtowns all along the Coast, and this is another one,” Wiggins said. “It builds on the success and makes Pascagoula a destination.”
The Chandy Depot has a fully-functioning distilling operation that will one day work as a test kitchen creating new local brew. Locals will have the opportunity to be the first to test new creations that will one day be on tap across the Coast.
Along with the historic location and the well-known Chandeleur local brew brand, Cloyd also partnered with another anchor of the coast. Chef Austin Sumrall from The White Pillars Restaurant in Biloxi has crafted the menu offered at the Depot with dishes inspired by the iconic restaurant.
“He won’t be in the kitchen all the time, but he will be here regularly for quality control,” Cloyd said of Chef Sumrall with a menu featuring locally-crafted drinks, coastal inspired snacks and dinners and Chandeleur favorites on tap.
After several soft openings, drink taste-testing, and food planning, the Chandy Depot will open its doors on Friday, June 5, at 11 a.m. and regular operating hours will follow Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. under the direction of local manager Ridge Chambers.
*All photos by Susan Stachowski
