Back from Katrina by Keith Burton - GCN 6/19/09 You can count on the Biloxi Pierotich family to bring back their well-known beachfront souvenir stores with Souvenir City the first of their two stores to reopen since Hurricane Katrina. Wednesday, the store owned by J.J. Pierotich reopened to visitors to Biloxi's beach and by Friday the store was already doing a brisk business. The family's second store, Sharkheads, that was located on U.S. 90 near Rodenberg Ave. will also return, but for now the family has their hands full with Souvenir City, just east of Treasure Bay Casino.
"We are so grateful to have the opportunity to do this again," said Jennifer Drawdy (Pierotich), one of the store's co-owners. Both Souvenir City and Sharkheads were Coast beachfront (GCN Photo right: Sharkheads prior to Katrina) J.J. Pierotich plans to rebuild the new Sharkheads when the overall economy improves. The new version will be elevated to accommodate new code requirements passed since Katrina. Souvenir City is located at 2026 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. Their telephone number is 228-388-2550. A website will soon be up and more merchandise is on the way.
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The
opening of Souvenir City is a story of a family's resilience and
determination. The Pierotich's are a long-time Biloxi family and their
souvenir stores were were favorites before Katrina completely destroyed
them on August 29, 2005. Like many families in Biloxi and along the Coast,
family members suffered from damaged or lost homes that kept them busy,
and just getting the first store open has been a difficult task, but one
well worth it.
landmarks. They were well know for offering unique items that were not
part of the regular tourist gift shops found in other shops prior to the
hurricane. Among the items to soon return is their homemade fudge, which
will be back on sale next week. The new shop is still not completely
restocked, but there are plenty of items for sale and from the brisk store
traffic, they will do well this summer.
