{Gulf Shores owner Harry Parker}
Harry Parker is taking his Gulf Coast dining concept to the east side of the Mississippi River. The owner of Gulf Shores Restaurant and Grill, which opened in Creve Coeur nearly eight years ago, is adding a second location in Edwardsville. The newest Gulf Shores will be located at 215 Harvard Drive in the space formerly occupied by a Pita Pit, next door to Oriental Spoon.
Parker said Edwardsville’s steady growth, its proximity to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and “the uniqueness of our offering: great seafood and Cajun food” were all incentives to sign a lease in the burgeoning community. “I’ve had my sights on Edwardsville close to a year,” he said.
The permitting process is underway, and Parker anticipates a late September or early October opening after 10 to 12 weeks of demolition. Upon completion, the 3,800-square-foot space will offer seating for 160 guests and patio dining.
This article appears in June 2014.