Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

YOU CAN’T MISS THE 112-FOOT-TALL PEAVEY GUITAR SIGN WITH DANCING NEON BECKONING YOU TO ENTER THE HOTEL’S SLEEK, GLEAMING WHITE FAÇADE WITH “PURPLE HAZE” ACCENTS. In HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO BILOXI 777 Beach Blvd. Biloxi, MS 228-374-7625 www.hardrockbiloxi.com 54 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m August 2005 the buzz was deafening in Biloxi—the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was about to debut, making it the first new hospitality venue in seven years on the Mississippi Coast. Then along came Katrina. The best laid plans of mice, men, and the rock gods were thrown asunder as the Hard Rock was trashed. Fortunately, that all changed in July when the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi threw open its doors for a rollicking grand opening that signaled the start of something new and exciting on the Mississippi Coast. Blending Southern hospitality, rock and roll, and upscale urban glamour, the Hard Rock fills a unique niche while appealing across generational divides. While there are bigger, more grandiose hotels and casinos, few have been as eagerly anticipated as the Hard Rock, especially since its original opening was blindsided. “I think coming back sends a good signal, not only to the people along the coast, but to the tourism industry as a whole,” says Joe Billhimer, president and CEO of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. “The coast is coming back and when you have a company like Hard Rock setting down roots, it has a big impact.” Joe adds that due to its global infiltration, Hard Rock is one of the top ten most recognizable brands on the planet. That recognizable brand is easy to spot as you drive down Beach Boulevard where you can’t miss the 112foot-tall Peavey guitar sign with dancing neon beckoning you to enter the hotel’s sleek, gleaming white façade with “purple haze” accents. This is not your grandma’s casino—but considering Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Eddie Van Halen are all card-carrying AARP members, she’s probably already inside! Once through the doors, you’re greeted by a two-story display of music memorabilia that spans decades and genres with Justin Timberlake’s shirt during his NSYNC period to Michelle (Mamas and the Papas) Phillips’ fur hat. Arranged in display cases of all shapes and sizes with an ever-changing LED light show, this welcoming artifact wall is a piece of art in itself. But the gifts from rock royalty don’t stop there—from the Hard Rock Café to display cases on every floor, you’re never too far from a piece of music history. http://www.hardrockbiloxi.com http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Coastal Calendar Storefronts Sweet Dreams Art of Living Fixtures Our Backyard Make Yourself at Home Beach Bam! A Big Easy Christmas Upwardly Mobile Can't Drive Old Dixie Down Rock On! The Play's the Thing Cheers Dish Chef's Table Let's Eat Reader Services Last Bite

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