The 2026 Covey Awards, held on April 21 at Hard Rock Live inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi, brought together the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a night dedicated to celebrating the best businesses, venues, and talent in the region.
Marking the Covey Awards’ 22nd year, the event drew locals, business owners, and industry leaders for an evening centered on recognition, community support, and the places that continue to shape the Coast.
From casinos and restaurants to bars, entertainment, and live music, winners are chosen through public voting that remains open year round, allowing locals and visitors to continuously support their favorite spots. The Covey Awards have become a reflection of what the community values most and the businesses people return to again and again.
The night opened with a tribute to 3 Doors Down, setting a strong local tone from the start. DJ Shimmer kept the energy moving throughout the ceremony, while live performances from multiple bands, including Cinemastatic, Red & the Revelers, and NVSN carried the atmosphere between award presentations.
Casino Highlights
The casino categories highlighted some of the Coast’s most recognized destinations.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino took home multiple honors including Favorite Casino, Best Shows, Best Concerts, Best Hotel, and several dining and entertainment recognitions. BR Prime at Beau Rivage were named both Favorite Casino Restaurant and Best Fine Dining, while Eight75 earned Favorite Casino Martini and Wine Lounge.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi was also a major winner, earning recognition for Best Cocktail Service, Best Players Club, Best Tournaments, and Best Giveaways.
Other standout casino honors included Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort for Loosest Slots and BetMGM at Beau Rivage for Favorite Sportsbook.
Restaurant Winners
The restaurant categories showcased the Coast’s wide range of local favorites.
Salute Italian and Seafood was named Best Italian Cuisine, while The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint took Best BBQ. The Lady May earned Best Burgers and Best Sunday Brunch, continuing its strong local presence across multiple categories. Other winners included Tom’s Extreme Pizzeria for Best Pizza, Pirate’s Cove for Best Poboys, Jourdan River Steamer for Best Seafood, Jia at Beau Rivage for Best Sushi, and Toasted Yolk Cafe for Best Breakfast.
Half Shell Oyster House was recognized for Best Local Cuisine, while BR Prime again stood out for Best Steaks and Fine Dining.
Bars, Nightlife, and Entertainment
Nightlife across the Coast was well represented with Glory Bound Gyro Co earning multiple recognitions including Favorite Live Music Venue, Favorite Local Hangout, and Best Venue that Represents Coast Attitude.
Rags to Riches took Favorite Sports Bar and Favorite Karaoke Venue, while Adventures Pub & Spirits was named Best Bar on the Coast and Best Late Night Eatery.
Other winners included Mosaics Restaurant & Bar for Favorite Martini and Wine Bar, Bacchus on the Bayou for Best Outdoor Patio Venue, Eleven XL Cocktail Lounge for Best Lounge, and Juke Joint for Favorite Dive Bar.
Music and Local Talent
Local entertainment also played a strong role in the evening.
DJ T Swan was named Favorite DJ, while top local bands included Ty Taylor and the Kinfolk (Country), All Nighters (Coast Style), Triggerproof (Cover/Pop), Titus Gillard Blues Power Band (Jazz/Blues/Funk), Saint Social (Rock/Alt.), and Brennan Roybal (Solo/Duo performances).
Lifetime Achievement Recognition
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Tom Tandler Lifetime Achievement Award.
Honorees Rob Stinson, Denis Trochesset, and Brooke Mason of Gulf Coast Holding LLC were recognized for more than 24 years of dedication to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with continued growth across multiple businesses that reflect long-term impact and commitment to the region.
A Community Driven Celebration
What sets the Covey Awards apart is not just the recognition, but the participation behind it. Every winner is chosen through public voting, making the awards a direct reflection of community support and local experience.
Even the awards themselves reflect that same spirit. Each piece is handcrafted in pottery by a local Mississippi Gulf Coast artist, Blanca Love Perez, making every trophy a one-of-a-kind creation tied directly to the community it represents.
I also had the opportunity to step on stage as one of the presenters, announcing winners including Best Italian Cuisine to Salute, Best Sports Bar to Rags to Riches, and Favorite Sportsbook to BetMGM at Beau Rivage. It was special to see businesses I have worked with and interviewed throughout the year being recognized and winning, and to be a part of that moment from a different perspective. Being involved with Coast Observer magazine and covering the Covey Awards adds an extra layer of appreciation, knowing the magazine helps showcase and highlight these businesses and the people behind them.
Hard Rock Live served as the perfect backdrop for a night built around growth, recognition, and community pride.
The Covey Awards continue to highlight one clear message. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, success is built locally, supported locally, and celebrated together.
And with voting open year round, the next round of winners is already in the hands of the community.
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