Dave & Buster's plans to build in Lafayette, local favorite Café Lola adding new location

Dave & Buster's, the Texas-based arcade-styled restaurant, is opening a location in Lafayette·The Daily Advertiser

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Dave & Buster's, the Texas-based entertainment giant, appears to be moving toward building a location in Lafayette, records from the Lafayette Consolidated Government permit office show.

Online records show that a permit for Dave & Buster's was entered into the system Thursday and is under review. The permit would be for construction at 201 Spring Farm Road, which is part of the Ambassador Town Center shopping center.

The permit information shows that permit would allow Dave & Buster's to build a 22,213-square-foot restaurant with parking and other amenities. The entertainment brand is known for its wide selection of gaming and arcade-style experience.

Dave & Buster's has one location already in Louisiana, at 1200 Poydras Street in New Orleans. Founded in 1982, the company has 147 locations in North America across 41 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Café Lola adding second location

Café Lola, a Lafayette favorite that's been for about 20 years, is opening a second location on Rue Louis XIV near the Stuller building.

The restaurant, which has a location at 1155 Coolidge Boulevard, announced the expansion on Facebook. In a post, the restaurant said the second location would likely be opening this summer.

Local think tank donates to help Black Café after fire

Black Folks Talking, a local think tank that represents more than 25 groups, presented Black Café with a check for more than $5,000 to help the restaurant reopen after a fire.

In early May, the apartments above Black Café caught on fire. While there were no injuries, the popular Fightin'ville restaurant took some damage from smoke and flooding. The restaurant has been crowdfunding to help pay for employees' wages and to replace equipment damaged in the fire.

Black Café: Help this Lafayette restaurant re-open their doors after fire

In a press release, Black Folks Talking said reopening BlackCafé was imperative, as it provides the community with a safe space to meet and to enjoy good food and coffee. The organization also called the owner, Trey Ware, and the workers "an asset to the community."

The goal of the GoFundMe for Black Café is $50,000. As of Friday morning, the page had raised $14,260.

Moncus Park to begin charging for parking

Moncus Park will begin charging after the first 30 minutes for parking in its paved lot off of Johnston Street in mid-July, according to the park's website.

The first 30 minutes of parking will be free, followed by $2 per hour for a maximum of $10 per day, according to the website. Handicap parking will still be available, and parking is free on Mondays for all parkgoers.

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According to the website, the parking fees will go toward "operations and maintenance as well as the many free amenities, daily programs, and events the Park produces for the community."

Lafayette Parish employees honored by Acadian

Acadian Companies honored two Lafayette Parish employees with Employee of the Year honors, the company said in a release.

Ben Jastram, a Lafayette resident, was named Acadian's Air Services Employee of the Year, and Broussard resident Brittany Rhodes was named the Support Employee of the Year.

Jastram has been with Acadian's Air Services Division for five years and pilots the King Air B200 for both medical and chartered flights.

“Ben is always prepared ahead of time and ensures that operations are completed with the highest regard for safety and customer service," said Vice President of Air Services Michael Sonnier in a release. "Because of his thorough preparations, he is ready for any contingencies. He also mentors newer pilots so they can improve their own productivity. His positivity and customer service put passengers and patients at ease.”

More: Have they helped you? Acadian Ambulance honors Medics of the Year

Rhodes has been with Acadian since 2013 and works as an Human Resources generalists. She assists with hiring process for support departments and works with employees on leaves of absence.

“Brittany is the epitome of what an Acadian support professional should be,” said Blaise Zuschlag, Acadian vice president and chief accountability officer.

Lalande Title celebrates four years

Lalande Title, which has offices in Lafayette and Youngsville, is celebrating four years in operation, the business said in an email.

"Thank you to all who have supported us, prayed for us, and allowed us the opportunity to help you with your real estate closing needs," the title company said in a Facebook post. "Here's to many more years as we continue to grow and expand."

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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Dave & Buster's plans Lafayette construction, Café Lola adding location

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