Business Spotlight: The Rusty Pelican: A reflection of family

By Cara Pridemore

The Rusty Pelican, a 41-year-old Vietnamese and American fusion cuisine establishment, is a unique restaurant in Long Beach. The restaurant is owned and operated by Linh Schmidt, a Vietnam native who took over the business in 2024.

“I love to cook, and I love to talk to customers,” Schmidt said. “Also, I love to introduce my traditional food and bring my culture from Vietnam to people in America.”

Before arriving in the United States in 2018, Schmidt visited fifteen countries and traveled extensively across the U.S. Everything changed when she visited family in Mississippi. Her cousin, who worked with Perry Schmidt at Mississippi Power, invited them both to lunch.

“That day, I wear no makeup, wear shorts and a t-shirt, and then I meet my husband,” Schmidt said. Perry and Linh Schmidt married on December 31, 2018.

Two years later during COVID, Linh Schmidt began looking for a new job.

“When me and Linh met, and we were dating, I brought her to this restaurant, the Rusty Pelican, when we went to meet my parents,” Perry Schmidt said. “I grew up coming here with my mom, so I knew Ms. Hue, who was the owner before.”

Perry introduced Linh to Hue, and Linh eventually began working alongside Hue in the kitchen. Also Vietnamese, Hue taught Linh how to prepare the food and operate the restaurant. Linh has now operated the Rusty Pelican for three years.

Her background as an accountant in Vietnam has helped her run the business.

“I can estimate how much we spend and also look for food for sale to buy,” she said. “The cost is lower, but it’s still good quality for the customer.”

She also works to keep the flavors as close as possible to traditional Vietnamese food.

Linh strives to create uniquely authentic dishes. For first-time customers, she recommends the pancakes, beignets and Vietnamese coffee. She also enjoys introducing customers to new dishes. Specialty items include the crab, Swiss po’boy, a Banh mi po’boy – a traditional Vietnamese meat sandwich – and pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup.

Perry says the Rusty Pelican is a reflection of their family.

“I’m American, born here in Mississippi, and Linh’s from Vietnam, so we’re combining two different cultures,” Perry said. “She’s covering both bases, because now our family’s blended.”

For the Schmidts, family also extends beyond them, as Linh describes the Long Beach community as a family.

“People here are very close, like the mayor and his whole team helps the business a lot,” she said. “The customers are very friendly and nice. A lot of customers come here every day, and they don’t need the menu. When I see their face, I know exactly what they get.”

She is especially appreciative of her loyal customers, who have nominated her for several awards. In WXXV News’ annual viewers’ choice awards, Mississippi Gulf Coast locals nominated the Rusty Pelican two years in a row. Linh Schmidt won “Best Breakfast on the Coast” in 2024 and 2025, as well as “Best Asian Cuisine” in 2025. She has also been featured in South Mississippi Living Magazine and Gulf Coast Women’s Magazine.

Looking ahead, Linh says she hopes to win another food award and open a Rusty Pelican food truck.

“I would love to have a food truck, because the restaurant just stays in one location, and I would love to do more,” she said. “I want to bring my food and go everywhere.”

Linh and Perry Schmidt have poured their hearts into the Rusty Pelican. For them, their customers mean everything.

“I put all my love, my heart in every single meal I make,” Linh said. “And when they say, ‘My food is good,’ that makes me so happy.”