12 November 2026
HATTIESBURG, MS – Off The Hook’s new Hattiesburg restaurant has about 55 workers and is still hiring for every job, the company told Pine Belt Guide. Across town on Hardy Street, Texas Roadhouse expects to hire 200 to 230 people before it opens Dec. 7.
Together, by those figures, the two restaurants could account for 255 to 285 jobs in Hattiesburg by the end of the year. In Marion County, meanwhile, a new leader has taken over business recruiting and chamber work after her predecessor’s 40-year run.
How many people work at Off The Hook in Hattiesburg?
In short, about 55. “Our Hattiesburg restaurant currently employs approximately 55 team members, and we’re still hiring for all positions,” Regan Nelson, director of marketing and PR for Off The Hook Restaurants, said in an email. Job seekers can apply on the company’s careers page at othook.isolvedhire.com/jobs.
The Louisiana seafood chain held its ribbon cutting Oct. 21 at 6218 U.S. Highway 98, Pine Belt Guide reported last week. When the company announced the move in July, it said the restaurant would create local jobs. It did not give a number then.
What are Off The Hook’s hours?
The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nelson said. It offers dine-in, drive-thru and takeout, according to the company’s earlier announcement.
How much did Off The Hook give to Extra Table?
The company gave $1,000. Nelson said the gift was made during the Oct. 21 ribbon cutting with the Area Development Partnership. Extra Table is a Mississippi nonprofit founded by chef Robert St. John. It buys shelf-stable food for food pantries and soup kitchens around the state.
Nelson said the company is “developing an ongoing partnership as we put down roots in Hattiesburg.”
Is Off The Hook planning more Mississippi locations?
The company did not name any. Hattiesburg is its first restaurant outside Louisiana, Nelson said, and “we’re focused on becoming a lasting part of this community.”
She added, “We’re also looking ahead to continued growth, with exciting opportunities on the horizon. Stay tuned as we head into the new year!”
Nelson’s reply did not answer a question about how much the company spent on the Hattiesburg building and equipment.
How many jobs will Texas Roadhouse bring?
The steakhouse expects to create 200 to 230 jobs, the Hattiesburg American reported Oct. 29. It is going in at 4640 Hardy St., the former O’Charley’s site, and plans to open Monday, Dec. 7. Its website takes job applications, SM2 Media reported.
Managing partner Garrett White told the newspaper that many local diners now drive a long way for a steak. “I’ve talked to a lot of people who commute from here all the way to the coast just to get some Texas Roadhouse,” he said.
That trip is about 60 miles, to the Gulfport restaurant, the paper said. Hattiesburg will be the chain’s fourth Mississippi location, joining Gulfport, Tupelo and Horn Lake. A fifth, in Flowood, is planned for next year, according to the report.
Who is Marion County’s new chamber director?
Kelly Davis has started work as vice president of the Marion County Development Partnership and director of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, WDAM reported. The partnership is made up of the Marion County Economic Development District and the chamber.
Davis is a Marion County native and a University of Southern Mississippi graduate. She will handle business engagement and run the chamber’s programs and events. She follows Carolyn Burton, who held the same jobs for 40 years and retired in June.
“I love Marion County and my home,” Davis told WDAM.
Lori Watts, the partnership’s president and executive director of the economic development district, said, “We know that Kelly has some new ideas, some fresh perspectives.” She added, “She is a lifelong Marion Countian, so she already knows a lot of people in the community.”
What else is ahead for Pine Belt businesses?
In Petal, owners along Evelyn Gandy Parkway can hear about the Highway 42 intersection work today. MDOT engineer Zach Lott and Danny Hrapmann of Warren Paving are set to cover the timeline, the phases of work and how customers will reach businesses during construction, the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce said. The free luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Petal Civic Center, 210 S. Main St.
Next week, a record 81 businesses take part in the chamber’s Shop Petal First holiday campaign, set for Nov. 19-21.
Frequently asked questions
Is Off The Hook in Hattiesburg hiring?
Yes. The company says it is hiring for all positions. Apply at othook.isolvedhire.com/jobs.
What are Off The Hook’s Hattiesburg hours?
10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
When does Texas Roadhouse open in Hattiesburg?
Monday, Dec. 7, at 4640 Hardy St.
Who leads the Marion County Chamber of Commerce now?
Kelly Davis, who is also vice president of the Marion County Development Partnership.