Press Room

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2020

GULFPORT, Miss. – Mississippi Aquarium has tapped Levy, the industry leader in creating incredible dining and hospitality experiences at world-class entertainment and cultural institutions, to craft its food and beverage experience. As the official dining and hospitality partner, Levy will work with the Aquarium to create all aspects of the experience campus-wide when the venue opens August 29. That includes on-site dining destinations for aquarium visitors, catering for special events such as corporate meetings, school field trips, weddings and a year-round café experience, as well as collaborating with the Aquarium to implement and regularly monitor a robust health and safety plan.

“Levy is a staple in our community and we look forward to partnering with them to bring their quality dining options to campus. Both the Levy and the Aquarium team have done a fantastic job curating a range of local menu offerings that we are excited to share with our guests,” stated Kurt Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi Aquarium.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to play a significant role in making the Aquarium a world-class destination for learning about Coastal Mississippi and beyond,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy. “Tastes are so different in every part of our country and this is a wonderful chance for us to create an experience where guests can discover the incredible food and beverage of the coast. We look forward to shaping that local food story with Mississippi Aquarium in the spirit of our shared passion for creating memories that all visitors and guests will celebrate for years to come.”

Mississippi Aquarium has also worked with Levy to create a health and safety plan based on Levy’s established best practices, as well as CDC and FDA guidance. The Aquarium will work with local health authorities to ensure team member and guest safety when doors open later this month. Measures include the use of masks and gloves, cash-free checkout, plexiglass barriers at all café locations, and signage to ensure proper social distance.

On the menu, local and sustainable sourcing will be a focus, and as menus rotate, guests can expect more opportunities for local Coastal Mississippi flavors and ingredients to shine. Levy has created a strong foundation of celebrating local flavors through its offerings at Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center and will craft unique menus to enhance the Mississippi Aquarium experience. Levy will also tap into experience at popular regional and national cultural and entertainment destinations, including Chicago’s Navy Pier, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Woodland Park Zoo outside Seattle. Levy’s portfolio also includes iconic entertainment and cultural events like the Grammy Awards and Kentucky Derby, as well as many of the country’s largest stadiums and arenas.

About Mississippi Aquarium

Mississippi Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring experience that supports animal research and conservation. Mississippi Aquarium is committed to animal welfare and the majesty of the gulf and beyond. The Aquarium sits on 5.8-acres and contains over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plants that represent all the physiographic regions of Mississippi. The Aquarium is set to open on August 29, in downtown Gulfport. For more visit msaquarium.org

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, PGA Championship, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.