05/23/2025
FOUR DAYS LEFT!!! We hope you come and see us one last time. As we said a few weeks ago, it's too late for us. Undoubtedly, we made some missteps and mistakes. For those, we take responsibility. This iteration of Viva just didn't resonate or have the staying power that we hoped for. But if we can leave you with one message as we prepare to close, it's that it's more important than ever to buy, shop, and support local.
We are blessed to live in a special place. In addition to our culture, it's our small business and local institutions that make us unique -- that make up the fabric of our shared home. It's burgers at Judice Inn and pizza at Dean-O's Pizza, CENTRAL Pizza & Bar, Antoni's, Alesi's,, and Pizza Village. It's cold beers on the patio of a Legends or Adopted Dog Brewing. It's seafood at Prejean's and Poor Boy's Riverside Inn. Wings at KOK Wings & Things It's po-boys at Pop's Poboys and Olde Tyme Grocery. It's coffee at Rêve Coffee Lab, River Ranch and Jet Coffee. This list isn't exclusive. We don't mean to leave anyone out, as their are many other restaurants that need your support. Countless other places that create special moments and memories that are shared among families and friends and between generations. There will be new entrepreneurs and restaurants that come behind us; they will need your support too.
And it's not just restaurants. There are local retailers and businesses in every industry imaginable. Behind each one of those is a person or family trying to succeed and give back to our shared home. At times, supporting local may mean paying a bit more or waiting a bit longer. Local, small businesses often cannot match the scale and efficiency of national brands. But, in the end, we believe the trade off is worth it and results in a more vibrant community.
Homogeneity is always encroaching; neither our culture nor the continuation of a local business is guaranteed. It's up to us to nurture, safeguard, and protect what we cherish. So as we close, we implore all of you to support what makes us unique. Go to our festivals, cheer on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, and grab a meal at a local restaurant. As for this weekend, share one last moment and waffle with us. Thank you all for everything.
