With International Women's Day coming up we're celebrating this small female owned business in Ocean Springs, Mississippi - the French Hermit Oyster Co...

French Hermit Oyster Co. offers a unique, hands-on oyster experience overlooking the bayou in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Oysters are sustainably farmed just off Deer Island and brought fresh ashore where guests can get an inside look at how oysters are farmed, learn about sustainability and coastal restoration, and then jump in with a hands-on shucking demo to prepare their own oysters at guided stations. An experience that’s local and interactive, not just a “sit and listen” stop.

Either shuck oysters to eat yourself (with help if needed) or they will shuck them for you, or purchase freshly shucked oysters to enjoy on site or to go.

The covered waterfront patio, local beer collaborations, house seasonings, and focus on conservation and shell recycling make French Hermit a distinctly Coastal stop that blends education, scenery, and fresh Gulf-to-Table flavour!

About Cecilia:

“Tending oysters is work that I enjoy...can’t say that about most of the other jobs I have had.”

The owner of French Hermit Oyster Co, Cecelia Taylor Cenac, will tell you that her reason for farming oysters off the Mississippi Gulf coast is the joy she receives from watching how fast tiny oysters, called seed, grow and being able to nurture them until they are ready for sharing with people who love to eat oysters.

Cecelia‘s family are long term residents of Laurel and Biloxi in Mississippi. Oyster farming keeps Cecelia on the waters of the Mississippi Sound where you’ll find her heading to the farm to clean, harvest and split oysters. She harvests from her boat or in the water at least twice a week, so be sure to say ‘hi’ next time you visit!

Where to try these Mississippi oysters…

White Pillars
Chef Austin Sumrall
1696 Beach Blvd, Biloxi

Siren Social Club
Chef Ethan Boutwell
1409 24th Ave, Gulfport

Parrish's Restaurant & Lounge
Chef Jesse Gallimore
217 East Beach Blvd, Long Beach

The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint- The Roasted Oyster
Chef Tres Hundertmark
7501 MS-57, Ocean Springs

thirty-two
Chef Shannon Johnson
IP Casino, Resort & Spa
850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi

Follow French Hermit on Facebook and Instagram for other restaurants featuring French Hermit oysters on their menus, and much more!