Photograph: Celeste Chachere, maketing and development director for Tony Chachere’s speaks to customers about the opening of the new store on I-49 in Opelousas. (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Customers began filling their Holiday Season shopping bags Tuesday during a celebrated opening for Tony Chachere’s Country Store located on the Interstate 49 Service Road in Opelousas.
Those who attended the event were able sample sips of complimentary gumbo before they began exploring the gift and food items available inside the 4,000-square foot building whose exterior resembles a two-story Acadian-style house whose corrugated metal roof adds to its attempt at authenticity.
Celeste Chachere, marketing and development director for Tony Chachere’s said the recently-completed project had been previously discussed as a venue where shoppers could purchase Tony Chachere-themed items and cooking implements at one location.
“This is something that we talked about for many years. It’s a place where the public can come in and also purchase a lot of our customized merchandise. It’s perfect for picking up products that might be on a list of gifting ideas. We wanted to resemble a building whose architecture looks familiar,” said Chachere, who is a fourth generation descendant of company founder Tony Chachere.
Chachere said planning for the store included using restored Louisiana materials.
“The flooring that we used came from North Louisiana, while the ceilings are made of wood that we got from the Port Barre area. Our counter is from Breaux Bridge and one that dates back from the 1800’s. The doors are made from cypress, while we have customized windows made of restored wood,” said Chachere.
Chachere noted that the opening of the store coincides with the 50th anniversary for the start of the company, which apparently began when Tony Chachere began selling copies of his cookbook out the rear of his vehicle.
Tony Chachere was inducted into the Louisiana State Chef’s Hall of Fame in 1995.
The company is operated by grandson Don Chachere in a 10,000 square foot building that sits behind the company store.
According to a press release issued earlier this year, Tony Chachere’s employs 100 persons.
