Page 73 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Lilian PerezOWNER
Saying she grew up in a restaurant booth,
Lilian Perez is no stranger to the business. She’s
now owner/manager of Pepe’s Bosque Mexican
Restaurant. “My parents kept us close even when
at work. I remember being dropped off by the
school bus, having cheese dip as a snack and
watching curiously how my family made a living
as I did my homework.”
Back then, Perez only knew two words in
English: boy and girl. “I credit learning English
to three things: early Disney movies, 1980s
Kiss movies, and wanting to make my teacher
proud. This was before any programs had been
implemented for teachers to deal with immigrant
children.”
Professionally, she is opening a new restaurant in
the heart of Ocean Springs and is excited about
the possibilities.
Perez likes that her restaurant has become
the place for celebrations. “Little-big moments
humble us as they remind me that this is bigger
than what I could imagine for myself,” she says.
“I love the connections I am blessed to form with
our Pepe’s family and guests.”
10027 Central Ave., D’Iberville
228.396.0044
pepesbosquemexicanrestaurant@outlook.com
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