The Boushie to Lafayette story hit us like a wrecking ball in 2024. This is definitely the top news of the year in Acadiana business.
After years of little more than rumors, negotiations became public for the first time in June when the store was submitted to the Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Zoning Board of Adjustment for layout and store design approval.
The momentum didn’t stop from there. The Lafayette City Council approved a special economic zone that would allow businesses to levy a sales tax of up to 2% to support infrastructure development.
Things culminated this month when the store signed a contract to purchase 42 acres at the corner of Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10 for what will eventually become the state’s first Buc-ee’s store. did.
Plans for the store include 120 gas pumps, 608 parking spaces, 20 Tesla parking spaces and 11 bus parking spaces in a 74,000 square foot store. If you’re familiar with Buc-ee’s stores, you can’t beat the 75,000-square-foot store in suburban San Antonio, which bills itself as the largest Buc-ee’s on the planet.
Why is this a big deal? Anyone who drives along I-10 knows that Lafayette has an instant reputation in town. It would also be the city’s main source of sales tax, elevating the Louisiana Avenue exit and north Lafayette to a major retail destination.
Here are Acadiana’s other top business stories for 2024:
2. Richard Zuschlag dies: The longtime chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies, who co-founded one of the region’s most prominent companies, passed away in June.
He and two others realized there was a gap in the market and started their business as an ambulance service in 1971. The company currently has 5,200 employees and operates in four states and 37 parishes, including Louisiana.
Why is this a big deal? Mr. Tuschlag is a Lafayette legend, a bona fide businessman who basically came out of thin air and, through hard work and determination, built his company into a major employer in the area and an ambulance company. It has grown into a service. He was also known for his generosity in the community and his ability to connect with elected officials on both sides of the aisle.
3. Superior Grill Opens: The excitement for this restaurant’s opening is even higher. It took two and a half years after Frank Rundle sold the land to the company, but Superior Grill opened in July, and parking is still hard to find.
Lafayette had been on the company’s radar for more than 20 years, until Jeff Landry and Rex Moreau of Scout Real Estate in Lafayette compiled a list of potential buyers for Frank Randle’s property. It didn’t happen. Superior Grill was at the top of the list.
Why is this a big deal? Superior Grill is often praised for its food, but its building and interior amenities take local dining to another level. And let’s be honest, Baton Rouge has one less place that Lafayette doesn’t.
4. Plans for a four-story hotel in downtown Lafayette: Last month, local investors made a fuss over the biggest downtown development in years. They plan to build an 83-room, four-story boutique hotel on the site of Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse.
Local ownership group Gus Rezende, Ryan Pecotte, BJ Crist and John Peterson partnered with Slash Group and Tandem Hospitality Group to create restaurant space, an outdoor pool and a 2,500-square-foot property. A $19 million hotel will be built, including land. event space.
The hotel is scheduled to open in mid-2026 and will be located in one of downtown’s most desirable locations.
Why is this a big deal? It could be the biggest project in downtown in years, perhaps ever. This could be a real catalytic project. It may be an overused phrase, but you have to wonder if this would have happened without The Municipal Loft.
5. Mr. Waiter files for bankruptcy: Mr. Waiter, once the crown jewel of Lafayette’s startup world, officially passed away in April when his parent company filed for bankruptcy.
The restaurant delivery company was acquired by Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s Landcadia Holdings in 2018 for $308 million, then rebranded as ASAP in 2022, before being acquired by Minnesota in 2019. After initially acquiring its home base, Byte Squad, the company struggled until founder and CEO Chris Moe and company took off. A parted ways.
Waiter Holdings’ stock price was $14 a share in March 2019 and 42 cents just before it was delisted last spring.
Why is this a big deal? For Lafayette, when it started, it was a big startup splash. It was a major employer and a business that was a little ahead of national trends. Most startups get acquired after nine or 10 years, but Waitr was acquired after five years.
Restaurants that will be lost in 2024
Market Eats Broussard, Original Ground Patty, Carencro’s Bus Stop Bistro, Mr. Sea’s Landing, Drago’s Seafood, Burger King locations near UL and Evangeline Thruway, and Agave Mexican Grill on E Broussard Road. & Cantina, Pyro’s Burgers and Wings in Youngsville.
TA Truckstop Boston Market, Hooters, Sawa Sushi and Hibachi All-You-Can-Eat, Gather, Zero Degree, Home Cut Donuts, Cafe 20.3, Bismillah Grocery, Coffee Dash, and Jammin’ Java in Youngsville.
Café Coachella, Swanky’s Downtown in Carencro, Victoria’s Café, Market Eats Broussard, Le Café, Breaux Bridge, Chili’s, Pinhook Road, Dozo Restaurant, Café Lola, Louis XIV Street, Youngsville villager cafe
Most-read business stories online
1. Krispy Crunchy Chicken moves to Atlanta
2. Buc-ee’s is nearing a deal to expand into south Louisiana.
3. Lafayette’s company counts celebrities, legendary singers, and famous actors among its clients. meet the owner
4. Buc-ee’s clears hurdles for Lafayette location, aiming to open by holiday season in 2025
5. KADN lays off 19 people, including four morning show cast members, as part of large-scale company-wide layoffs
6. Two restaurants with ties to Cameron will open to replace popular Lake Charles restaurants
7. This bar in downtown Lafayette has darkened windows and requires a code to enter.
8. Construction has already begun on the old Hooters space in Lafayette. What comes in here?
9. Louisiana casino to build new $150 million, 204-room hotel: ‘Everything is upscale’
10. National bookstore closes Lafayette store, preparing to open new store nearby
my most memorable story
Waiter goes bankrupt. The company’s decline was so gradual that it was like watching a bad horror movie. You knew how it would end. But that doesn’t mean taking it lightly. In 2019, Waitr was an IT company in Lafayette. There were some cool people working there, and the company, which was born in Southwest Louisiana, gave locals bragging rights.
Quotes you’ll remember in 2024 and beyond
“People want to be able to walk from inside to outside without opening the door. They don’t want to see a door. They want the wall to go away, so it leads to a patio. We’re going to build a whole wall in the living room, but the whole wall will go underground.”
Jude David, whose Lafayette-based firm has acquired New York-based Riley Architectural, which was part of Pella’s luxury division.
“Actually, it was a bitter day. In my mind, if I had still been there, would the end result have been the same or would it have been better? Pretty tragic. At least in my opinion, it didn’t have to be that way.”
Waitr founder and former CEO Chris Meaux talks about Waitr Holdings’ bankruptcy filing and shutdown.
“Richard was a truly unique enigma, Nick Saban, Henry Kissinger and Sam Walton all rolled into one. He sought perfection in everything he did, and sometimes he wanted to pull his hair out. There were times when I became a better businessperson, but looking back, I think it made me a better business person.”
Tyron Picard, CEO of Picard Group and former executive vice president and director of Acadian Companies, speaks about the death of Richard Zuschlag.
“You could tell from his first vision for the jet that he had really big dreams. I mean, there was nothing. Nobody even knew what a jet was, but for him It was like the place had been open for 10 years.”
Gabby Constant, an early employee and current manager for co-owner John Tommasini, of Jet Coffee Co., which currently has four stores in Lafayette and openings in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish He plans to do so.
“The status quo is no longer acceptable. Now people will write articles and talk about the negative effects of what connectors do. Don’t fall into the trap of this harming the community, by epidemics and crime. There can be no more hurt or pain than what was felt.”
State Sen. Gerald Boudreau discusses the current status of the Evangeline Thruway corridor north of Lafayette.
What to focus on in 2025
Buc-ee’s progress: The reason is obvious, but what’s notable is all the lots for sale in the area. Commercial development doesn’t always spread as easily as many people think, but look at the area next to the Aldi store, on the northwest corner of Pont de Mouton Road and Louisiana Avenue. Both companies are commercially listed, which could help Buc-ee’s land a buyer.
Downtown Hotel: Four local businessmen, not outside investors, are spearheading this massive project, and I’m beside myself with excitement about it. Troubles often occur in large projects like this, so let’s hope the construction goes smoothly. We are still awaiting announcement regarding information inside the restaurant.
Manufacturing jobs: First Solar may start hiring, and SafeSource Direct is expected to add many jobs. Mr. Staller has quietly grown into the largest non-medical non-medical employer in Lafayette Parish. The company is reportedly running out of space at its Verot School Road headquarters.
Check out these eating places
Southern Classic Chicken: This is a repeat of last year, but this time it’s the real thing. Construction has begun on the site at 4603 Johnston Street. The brand is widely popular in central and northern Louisiana not only for its food products but also for its efficiency. Another Acadiana location may be announced this year.
Ruby Slippers: You might not have to wait long for this one. The New Orleans-based breakfast favorite could open by mid-January in a space at 4701 Ambassador Cafery Parkway in Building D. The business was close to opening this month, but decided to wait until after Christmas, said building owner Phil Devey.
Other appointments: Cava, 4220 Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Small Sliders, 803 Bertrand Drive (not officially announced). KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, Ambassador Caffery 3605 Parkway. Magnolia Pantry, 219 E. Vermilion St.; TK’s Asian Kitchen, Meadow Farm Road.
