If you’ve lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for more than five minutes, you know that some things are just sacred. There’s the smell of the salt air, the sound of the shipyards, and the specific, mouth-watering aroma of the deli at Wayne Lee’s Grocery & Market in Pascagoula, MS.
Walk in any Tuesday morning. You’ll see guys in oil-stained work shirts from Ingalls Shipbuilding standing in line next to grandmothers who haven’t missed a Sunday service in fifty years.
It’s a vibe. Honestly, it’s more than a vibe; it’s a time capsule that somehow keeps up with the modern world without losing its soul. While the giant "big box" retailers are busy forcing you to scan your own bread and milk, Wayne Lee’s is out here bagging your groceries and—if you ask—carrying them to your car. In 2026, that feels less like a service and more like a miracle.
What Really Makes Wayne Lee’s Different?
Let's get real for a second. Most grocery stores are sterile. They’re cold, fluorescent-lit warehouses where you're just another number in an algorithm.
Wayne Lee’s is the opposite.
The store at 1317 Telephone Road has a history that isn't just corporate fluff. Wayne Lee himself started as a 13-year-old bag boy in Columbia. He moved to Pascagoula in 1942, during the height of the World War II meat shortages. After a brief return to his hometown, he came back for good in 1953.
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The "Home of Choice Beef" wasn't just a catchy marketing slogan. It was a promise. Wayne was a butcher by trade. He knew that if you gave people a better cut of meat than the guy down the street, they’d keep coming back. He was right.
The Deli is the Real Star
If you aren't eating from the deli, are you even shopping at Wayne Lee’s Grocery & Market?
The menu is a rotating hits list of Southern comfort.
- Mondays: It's Red Beans & Rice or Meatloaf. Standard. Essential.
- Fridays: Gumbo, stuffed crabs, and fried shrimp. It's the Coast; you have to.
- The Daily Gospel: Fried chicken and that famous fried catfish.
I’ve talked to people who moved to Texas or Tennessee and still talk about the Turkey and Dressing on Sundays. It’s the kind of food that tastes like someone’s aunt is back in the kitchen making sure the gravy isn't lumpy. They open for breakfast at 5:00 AM, which is a godsend for the shipyard workers heading in for the early shift.
It’s a Sporting Goods Store, Too?
This is the part that usually confuses outsiders. You go in for a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread, and you walk out with a new fishing reel and a bag of Shum-McGee bait.
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Wayne Lee was an avid fisherman. He lost an arm in a car accident early in life, but it never stopped him. Because he loved the water, the store became a hub for local anglers.
The sporting goods section isn't just a dusty shelf of plastic lures. It’s legit. They carry tackle specifically for the Pascagoula River and the Sound. Need a 55-gallon metal drum for a burn barrel? They’ve got those too. It’s that old-school "general store" mentality where the owner actually gives a rip about what the community needs.
The Family Legacy in 2026
Wayne Lee passed away unexpectedly in 1978, right after opening the second location in Lucedale. His son, Perry Wayne Lee, took over the reins.
Perry started as a bag boy himself back in 1971. That matters. It’s why the store hasn’t turned into a soulless franchise. Today, Perry and his sisters—Waynette, Mona, and Suzy—still own the business.
It’s a 42,000-square-foot operation now, employing about 100 people in Pascagoula. But it still feels small. You’ll see the photos of Wayne and Nita Lee hanging on the walls. It’s a reminder that this place was built on grit.
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Why You Should Care
Look, prices are high everywhere. We all know it. But Wayne Lee’s manages to stay competitive because they aren't answering to a board of directors in another time zone. They source local.
They’ve been known to sell watermelons from Stanton Fairley’s patch or hay from local farmers. When you shop there, your money isn't disappearing into a corporate void; it’s staying in Jackson County.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you're heading to Wayne Lee’s in Pascagoula, don't just rush through.
- Check the Daily Menu: Seriously, look at the deli board before you plan your week. Friday gumbo is a non-negotiable.
- Talk to the Butcher: They still do custom cuts. If you want a specific thickness for your ribeye, just ask. They won't look at you like you're crazy.
- Browse the "Odd" Aisles: Don't skip the hardware and sporting goods sections. You might find a cast iron skillet or a specific lure you can't find at the big chains.
- Timing Matters: If you want the freshest deli picks, get there around 11:00 AM before the lunch rush hits.
Wayne Lee’s Grocery & Market isn't just a place to buy eggs. It’s a landmark. In a world of self-checkout kiosks and "curbside only" service, it’s a reminder that sometimes the old way of doing things was actually the better way.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Stop by the deli tomorrow morning for a breakfast biscuit to see the morning rush in action. While you're there, grab a physical copy of the weekly ad near the entrance; they often have "manager specials" on Choice Beef that aren't advertised heavily online.