Photograph: Todd Doucet with Toby’s is pictured at the Opelousas City Council Meeting on Tuesday evening. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Opelousas city officials have given approval for Toby’s Downtown to begin operation in the business area located a block from the St. Landry Parish Courthouse.
The landmark Opelousas business and entertainment venue whose original building on La. 182 burned May 16, is relocating to 123 North Court Street at what was formerly Beau’s Garage and Restaurant.
Although it is uncertain when Toby’s Downtown plans to officially open, city Code Enforcement Director Margaret Doucet said during a Tuesday night Board of Aldermen meeting that the Opelousas Planning Commission has consented without opposition to allow the business to serve alcoholic beverages and operate a bar and lounge at the downtown location that was also once a vehicle showroom and garage for Bordelon Chevrolet.
The Aldermen voted unanimously and separately to uphold the Planning Commission decision for the liquor license and the restaurant and bar operation. In addition the Aldermen also voted to allow the business to use a 12-foot sign at the Court Street property.
Doucet told the Aldermen that Toby’s Downtown owner Wayne Doucet plans to use the Toby’s sign that he used at the Toby’s Lounge location on La. 182 south of Opelousas.
Wayne Doucet owned and operated Toby’s for 10 years before firefighters rushed to the scene to attend to the blaze which demolished the inside of the building, leaving on the exterior brick facade.
Doucet did not attend the Board of Aldermen meeting. However Todd Doucet attended the meeting but did not address the aldermen and alderwomen.
