Ruffino's names new chef; new restaurant coming to Johnston Street | Business Buzz
Each week, we’ll offer insights into new businesses, developments and closings in the area. And we’ll answer your questions about what’s happening in a vacant store or empty lot. Email us at wpotter@theadvertiser.com.
Ruffino's has hired Reid Henderson as executive chef, tasked with overseeing culinary operations at Ruffino's Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Ruffino's on the River in Lafayette.
Henderson graduated from the Louisiana Culinary Institute and has more than 20 years of experience working in kitchens nationwide. Henderson has previously worked as executive chef at Tsunami Restaurant, for the Seattle Seahawks and for the LSU Nutrition Center.
“We are thrilled to have Reid join us as we continue to provide the type of experience where Louisiana can come to celebrate life, regardless of the occasion,” said Ruffino’s Chief Officer of Operations Megan Klock. “I felt a great responsibility in finding the right person to lead our talented team, ensuring that our guests’ expectations and Ruffin’s vision for the future remained at the forefront. Reid is the perfect choice, and I am looking forward to seeing where he takes us.”
Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., a former LSU football player and the founder of the restaurants, died in November 2020.
Under Henderson, Ruffino's plans to keep its current menu of Italian-inspired steak and seafood dishes, while also looking at new and traditional Italian foods.
“Ruffino’s has a storied tradition in South Louisiana, and I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to add to its legacy,” Henderson said in a release.
Lucky's Fire and Smoke planned for former Zuhause
A new restaurant called Lucky's Fire and Smoke is planned for the former Zuhause Bakery and Coffee on Johnston Street, according to documents from the Lafayette Consolidated Government permit office.
According to the restaurant's website, Lucky's has a location in Detroit. In addition to a menu featuring all types of barbecue, the brand also sells spices and Wagyu beef.
The building is located at 6774 Johnston St. The renovation is valued at about $98,700.
First Lafayette ALDI Grocery Store opening
ALDI's first Lafayette store will open on Feb. 10 at 4518 Ambassador Caffery Parkway in the Caffery Center shopping plaza next door to Club 4 Fitness near Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Job listings posted by ALDI earlier this year showed the chain is also planning a store at 3210 Louisiana Ave. near the Stirling Lafayette Shopping Center just off Interstate 10. The second Lafayette store is expected to open in the spring or summer.
The new grocery store location on Lafayette’s northside will add to a scant handful of grocery stores serving the city’s predominantly Black area, where access to fresh, affordable groceries has been limited by decades of neglect and disinvestment.
A location is also planned for New Iberia, located at 1102 E Admiral Doyle Dr. The New Iberia store is also expected to open in the spring or summer.
Karaoke bar opening near Acadiana Mall
The Stage Karaoke Bar, a new establishment being opened by "King of Karaoke" Jeramie Kinnerson, is coming to Johnston Street some time this month.
The bar is slated to open in January, though no date has been set. The business is located at 5741 Johnston St. next to GL's Mongolian Grill.
The bar will be open Friday through Monday with extended hours to be announced. It will offer yard games like giant Jenga and Connect 4. This summer, the venue will host outdoor karaoke.
Contact reporter William Taylor Potter with tips or questions at wpotter@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter at @wmtaylorpotter.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Business Buzz: Meet Ruffino's new chef; new restaurant on Johnston St.
