Page 43 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2023

James Pipper. Matthew Pipper Jr.
Faces of Mangiamo’s JAMES AND MATTHEW PIPPER, JR.
Bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Gulfport was the goal of Mangiamo Italian when it opened in early November. The family casual restaurant is owned by the Pipper family who have owned an Italian restaurant in Picayune for many years. The Seals and Durr families are close family friends of the Pippers’ and partners in this venture.
Brothers James and Matthew Pipper, Jr. live in Gulfport and say their father, Matthew, Sr., has always wanted to open a dining establishment here. “We want to be a part of the community,” James Pipper said.
Speaking of the new restaurant, he said, “we have all original recipes and our goal is to provide an excellent experience in regards to food and service to all of our customers.”
While the traditional dishes that Americans associate with Italian food, such as pizza and spaghetti, are served, there are also some nods to the food of Northern Italy where
Pipper says he was “blessed to play soccer.” As for specials, he says there will be some such as the osso buco special that sold out recently. Several pasta and veal dishes are featured on the menu along with beef carpaccio and pan seared catch of the day. With a nod to coastal specialties, there's Tuscan shrimp and grits and crawfish ravioli.
Pipper says the family feels really lucky to have chef Aaron Yarbrough, who formerly worked at the Beau Rivage's Stalla, on board. “He specializes in Italian food and we're so happy to have him with us.”
There are 35 employees ready to serve diners in this restaurant that seats 120. There is also a full-service bar.
Pipper feels the business climate is good in Gulfport and the location facing busy Cowan Road is a hot spot. “We moved here in 2020 and I saw the potential of that area,” he said. “People always want to go out to eat and I think it will just get better.”
Mangiamo Italian: 1423 Magnolia St., Suite A, Gulfport | www.mangiamogulfport.com | 228.265.7346
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net January 2023 | 43