Page 57 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2026

Faces of Tavi’s and Pop Brothers
OCTAVIO AND SHANNON ARZOLA
Octavio and Shannon Arzola are the partners behind two popular Gulfport destinations: Pop Brothers and Tavi’s Salumeria. With more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Octavio brings a global perspective shaped by his upbringing in Spain and a career that includes leadership roles with the Marriott Corporation and several renowned Chicago restaurants. After relocating to the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, the couple planted lasting roots in Gulfport. In 2015, they co-founded Pop Brothers with Shannon’s brother, Chuck Kelly, growing the handcrafted popsicle brand into four retail locations and numerous wholesale partnerships. In 2024, they expanded their culinary vision with Tavi’s Salumeria, a European-inspired sandwich shop offering authentic meats, cheeses, breads and imported treats from across Italy, Spain, France, and beyond. Deeply invested in the community, the Arzolas serve on local boards and support culinary education. Above all, they value hospitality. “The faces of our customers when they take the first bite,” Octavio says, are what make it all worthwhile.
Tavi’sSulumeria | 161825thAve.,Gulfport | wwww.tavisllc.com PopBrothers | www.popbrothers.com
Faces of Custom Coastal Outfitting
Meet Sydney Bentz and Elizabeth Strunk, the dynamic duo behind Chandeleur Outfitters, Le Belle Vie Suites, and Palmetto Stitch Co.
For Bentz, the drive to succeed began early, inspired by her parents’ work
ethic and constant encouragement. She first launched an online boutique that quickly expanded into a brick-and-mortar store, a move that connected her with the previous owners of Chandeleur Outfitters. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business, she seized it—an achievement that led to two additional ventures: La Belle Vie Suite, a short-term rental apartment, and Palmetto Stitch Co., an embroidery shop co-owned with Strunk, Chandeleur Outfitters’ director of retail.
Last year brought major milestones for Bentz: marrying her best friend, building their forever home, and welcoming Chandy, the shop dog who now greets customers daily. Bentz says each day at Chandeleur Outfitter brings something new, with Strunk’s fresh ideas keeping the business innovative and exciting.
Elizabeth Strunk
Sydney Bentz
Chandeleur Outfitters
801 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.200.7009 www.shopchandeleuroutfitters.com Social @chandeleuroutfittersos
La Belle Vie Suites labelleviesuite@gmail.com
Palmetto Stitch Company Palmettostitchco@gmail.com Social @Palmetto Stitch Company
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net January 2026 | 57