I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in the hospitality industry with a deep-rooted passion for travel, tourism, and crafting unforgettable experiences through entertainment and events. With her keen insights into the evolving landscape of coffee shop chains and franchise expansions, Katarina offers a unique perspective on the latest trends and community-driven ventures. Today, we’re diving into the exciting grand opening of a New Orleans-inspired coffee shop in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, exploring how this location brings a taste of the Crescent City to the Gulf Coast, the vision behind its community focus, and the ambitious plans for future growth.
What inspired the owners to bring this iconic New Orleans coffee brand to Ocean Springs, and how do they plan to weave that cultural charm into the local fabric?
I’ve been following the journey of Mark and Melissa Mayne, who’ve transitioned from running a family entertainment spot in New Orleans to opening this coffee shop at 1112 Ames Ave. Their inspiration stems from a personal connection to the brand as longtime customers, deeply appreciating the quality and loyalty it commands. They saw an opportunity to bring that beloved NOLA vibe—a mix of warmth, hospitality, and vibrant flavors—to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where they could create a gathering place for friends and family. I think their vision is to make this spot a heartbeat of the community, not just a place to grab a cup, but somewhere you feel the soul of New Orleans in every sip and conversation. I’ve seen similar ventures succeed when owners infuse personal passion into the space, and I can just imagine the aroma of fresh beignets and the sound of laughter filling this café as locals make it their own.
How did the grand opening on December 12 embody the spirit of the Crescent City, and what went into making that day memorable for the community?
The grand opening was crafted to mirror the festive energy of New Orleans, starting with free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee from 7 to 10 a.m., which drew in early birds eager for a taste. The ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. with the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce and city officials added a touch of ceremony, while complimentary pastries and beignet bite samples until noon kept the celebratory vibe alive. There was even a chance to win Free Coffee for a Year, running from December 8 through the 12th, which created a buzz of excitement. Behind the scenes, I’m sure there were countless hours coordinating with local partners to ensure everything felt authentic—from the menu to the welcoming atmosphere. It reminds me of Mardi Gras mornings, where the air is thick with anticipation and every detail, down to the last sprinkle of powdered sugar, matters. It’s clear they wanted the day to feel like a mini-festival, introducing not just a coffee shop but a cultural experience to Ocean Springs.
With a setup that includes a drive-thru and indoor/outdoor seating, how does this location cater to different customer needs, and what’s a standout item on the menu that captures its essence?
The location’s design at 1112 Ames Ave., just three blocks east of Washington on 90, is brilliantly thought out to serve a wide range of folks. The drive-thru is a lifesaver for those rushing to work or errands, offering quick access to hand-crafted drinks like the Original Cold Brew without missing a beat. Meanwhile, the indoor and outdoor seating invites others to linger, savoring a Café Au Lait or a morning pastry in a relaxed setting that feels like a little escape to the French Quarter. I love how this setup mirrors the duality of New Orleans life—always on the move, yet deeply rooted in taking time to connect. If I had to pick a standout item, it’s the freshly made beignets; there’s something magical about biting into that warm, pillowy dough dusted with powdered sugar—it’s a nostalgic hug in every bite. It’s not just food; it’s a piece of the brand’s heritage that I believe will keep people coming back.
Joining a franchise with over 185 locations nationwide, including this being the 16th in Mississippi, what does it mean to the owners to be part of such a widespread family, and what unique aspects did they encounter in bringing it to Ocean Springs?
Stepping into a franchise with over 185 locations across the country is no small feat, and for Mark and Melissa, it’s like joining a legacy that started back in 1978 with a focus on superior coffee-making. I think it feels like both an honor and a responsibility to carry forward that reputation, especially as the 16th spot in Mississippi. Bringing this brand to Ocean Springs likely came with the challenge of ensuring the local community embraced the New Orleans flair while still feeling it’s their own space—balancing that cultural authenticity with local identity isn’t easy. There must have been moments of doubt, like wondering if the Gulf Coast crowd would connect with beignets the way NOLA folks do, but I bet seeing the first customers light up over a cup of small-batch roasted coffee made it all worth it. I’ve watched other franchisees navigate similar waters, and the key is often in those small, personal touches—maybe a friendly chat at the counter or hosting local events—that turn a chain into a hometown staple. Their progress so far shows they’re on the right track, and I’m eager to see how they continue to build that bond.
With plans already in motion for another location shortly after this opening, what fuels this rapid ambition for expansion, and how are lessons from this first venture shaping their future vision?
The drive to open another location so soon after December 12 speaks volumes about their confidence in the brand and the response they’ve seen in Ocean Springs. I believe it’s fueled by a mix of personal passion and a clear market demand—once you see people lining up for that free coffee during the grand opening or hear them raving about the beignets, it’s hard not to want to replicate that joy elsewhere. From what I’ve observed in the industry, early success often sparks this kind of momentum, but it’s their background in running a community-focused business in New Orleans that likely gives them the grit to scale quickly. They’ve probably already learned invaluable lessons from this first venture, like how crucial location is—being just off a main drag like 90 helps with visibility—and how to fine-tune operations for both drive-thru speed and sit-down comfort. I remember advising a similar franchisee years ago who rushed expansion without nailing the first location’s vibe, and it backfired; I’m confident Mark and Melissa are taking a more measured approach. Their vision for growth, I suspect, involves finding spots with that same potential for community connection, though I’d love to hear more about where they’re eyeing next.
What’s your forecast for the future of coffee shop expansions like this one on the Gulf Coast, and how do you see them evolving to meet community needs?
Looking ahead, I see a bright future for coffee shop expansions along the Gulf Coast, especially for brands that carry a strong cultural identity like this one. The region is ripe for growth with its blend of locals craving cozy hangouts and tourists seeking authentic experiences, and I predict we’ll see more franchises tapping into that by blending regional flavors with community engagement. These spaces will likely evolve by becoming more than just caffeine stops—think local art displays, live music nights, or even partnerships with nearby schools for fundraisers. I’ve seen how a coffee shop can transform into a town’s living room when done right, and with the way Ocean Springs has embraced this opening, I expect we’ll see these locations adapt by offering more personalized touches, maybe even menu items inspired by local tastes. The challenge will be maintaining that intimate feel as they scale, but if they keep listening to their customers, the sky’s the limit. I’m curious to see how this particular brand continues to weave its New Orleans roots into new markets over the next few years.
