LRA honors 12 Restaurant Legends at Don's Seafood & Steakhouse in Lafayette

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name 12 Restaurant Legends from Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Lafayette. The recipients were recognized at the LRA Acadiana Chapter Restaurant Legends Banquet at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette, January 19, 2015.

The Restaurant Legends at Don's Seafood & Steakhouse in Lafayette has a
total of 468 years of experience and service to the restaurant. 

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

With 468 combined years of experience and service at Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse, these men and women exemplify the satisfaction of making their jobs a lifelong and rewarding career.

They are:

• Clarence Angelle, busser, employed for 35 years
• Cynthia Chaisson, kitchen manager and cook, employed for 35 years
• Deanna Duhon, server, employed for 40 years
• Nedia George, prep cook and cook, employed for 41 years
• William “Billy” Melancon, cook, employed for 38 years
• Sharon Mertz, manager and office assistant, employed for 38 years
• Kim Peterman, manager, employed for 35 years
• Joey Quebedeaux, kitchen manager, employed for 38 years
• Jenny Scott, server, employed for 35 years
• Tyrone Tine, kitchen manager, employed for 33 years
• McKinley Trahan, prep cook, employed for 63 years
• Richard Washington, cook, employed for 37 years

These recipients join more than 130 individuals in our state recognized by the LRA through its Restaurant Legends program. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 4,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and suppliers.

“Don’s has been in business for 80 years and that kind of success would not be possible without employees who make your customers want to return time and time again,” said Rocky Landry, owner of Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse. “These are dedicated people that have given their lives to the success of this restaurant.”

LRA honors Restaurant Legend at Flanagan's Creative Food & Drink in Thibodaux

Honoree Barbara C. Williams with Flanagan's Corporate Chef
& Dir. of Operations and Owner Francis Fremin. 

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name Barbara C. Williams of Flanagan’s Creative Food & Drink in Thibodaux a LRA Restaurant Legend. She was recognized at a special celebration at Flanagan’s recently. 

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

Williams has been working at Flanagan’s since 1994 and is the restaurant’s pantry line chef, in charge of desserts. She is a shining example of a lifelong and rewarding career in the restaurant industry.

“Barbara is truly a dedicated, hard-working team member,” said Flanagan’s Corporate Chef and Director of Operations Randy Barrios. “She brightens up the kitchen and is a true role model for our entire staff, not to mention her house-made desserts are incredible. Flanagan’s would not be the same without her presence in the kitchen.”

Williams joins more than 130 individuals in our state recognized by the LRA through its Restaurant Legends program. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 4,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and suppliers.

LRA honors 10 Restaurant Legends at Chris' Poboys in Lafayette

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name 10 Restaurant Legends from Chris’ Poboys in Lafayette. The recipients were recognized at the LRA Acadiana Chapter Restaurant Legends Banquet at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette, January 19, 2015.

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

With 282 combined years of experience and service at Chris’ Poboys, these men and women exemplify the satisfaction of making their jobs a lifelong and rewarding career.

They are:

• Shirley Barlow, dine-in manager, employed for 35 years
• Donna Brantley, general manager (Ambassador location), employed for 32 years
• Michael Carpenter, general manager (Moss location), employed for 20 years
• Trula DiSalvo, kitchen manager, employed for 24 years
• Charlotte Doyle, server, employed for 30 years
• Cynthia Dronet, fry cook, employed for 29 years
• Denise Gaudin, server, employed for 29 years
• Margaret Mouton, salad chef, employed for 20 years
• Donna Nassans, server, employed for 34 years
• Garrett O’Conner, general manager (Pinhook location), employed for 29 years

These recipients join more than 130 individuals in our state recognized by the LRA through its Restaurant Legends program. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 4,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and suppliers.

“You will not find employees more dedicated and unselfish than these men and women,” said Richard Rivet, owner of Chris’ Poboys. “I could not run my restaurants without them; they are my family and are so deserving of this award.”

LRA honors six Restaurant Legends at Acme Oyster House in New Orleans

Terrilee Guilbault, Stacy Long Krol, Terrance Davis, Acme Oyster House
CEO Paul Rotner, Sheri Baker and Leslie Smith show off the
Restaurant Legends Awards at the Nov. 4 surprise ceremony.  

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name six Restaurant Legends from Acme Oyster House in New Orleans. The recipients were recognized at a special, surprise ceremony at the restaurant November 4, 2014.

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

With 149 combined years of experience and service at Acme Oyster House, these men and women exemplify the satisfaction of making their jobs a lifelong and rewarding career.

They are:

• Sheri Baker, chief financial officer, employed for 29 years
• Michael “Hollywood” Broadway, master oyster shucker, employed for 32 years
• Terrance Davis, expediter and cook, employed for 20 years
• Terrilee Guilbault, bartender, employed for 27 years
• Stacy Long Krol, payroll manager, employed for 21 years
• Leslie Smith, server, employed for 20 years

These recipients join more than 130 individuals in our state recognized by the LRA through its Restaurant Legends program. Collectively, these industry professionals have more than 4,000 years of service to Louisiana restaurants and suppliers.

“These men and women are exceptional employees. Professional, kind, loyal and hard-working are just a few words to describe their character,” said Acme Oyster House CEO Paul Rotner. “They put our customers first—always, and are true legends in our industry.”

LRA honors 12 Restaurant Legends at Mr. B's Bistro in New Orleans

Twelve Mr. B's staff members receive the LRA
Restaurant Legends honor for their long-time
service to the restaurant, totaling 335 years. 

Since its inception in 2006, the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) has named individuals across the state with 20 or more years of service at one establishment, Restaurant Legends. Collectively, these individuals have nearly 4,000 years of service to their places of employment, their customers and communities.

In a ceremony Monday, September 15, LRA President/CEO Stan Harris presented the Restaurant Legends honor to 12 recipients from Mr. B’s Bistro in New Orleans. With 335 combined years of service at Mr. B’s, these men and women exemplify the satisfaction of making their jobs a lifelong and rewarding career.  

Cindy Brennan, Managing Partner of Mr. B’s shares, “At Mr. B’s we are a family. We have grown up together and it is a pleasure to work with these fine men and women day after day. Their commitment and dedication have been a huge addition to our success.”

They are:

• Stephen Archacki, waiter, employed for 29 years
• David Boehm, maintenance manager, employed for 27 years
• Ron Canedo, manager, employed for 22 years
• Carlos Castillo, utility worker, employed for 30 years
• Mitchell Dowling, receiver, employed for 28 years
• John Charles “JC” Jackson, waiter, employed for 28 years
• Merlene Jones, accounting/HR manager, employed for 38 years
• Philip “Skip” Lomax, Jr., manager, employed for 33 years
• Michelle McRaney, executive chef, employed for 22 years
• Larry Sherman, manager, employed for 21 years
• Jackie Washington, cook, employed for 25 years
• Keenan White, food runner, employed for 32 years

Mr. B’s longtime General Manager Randy Stein adds, “I am honored by the commitment these individuals have to Mr. B’s Bistro. I salute them for their dedication, hard work, and their mentoring of others. Their years of loyalty and leadership have created a wonderful working environment." 

“We hope to encourage younger workers to follow the examples that each of these special men and women have set for the industry,” said Harris. “It is more than evident that Mr. B’s fosters a sense of pride among their employees, promotes from within and stresses the importance of jobs within the industry.”

LRA honors Restaurant Legend at Carmel Inn & Suites in Thibodaux

Josephine Edmond of Carmel Inn & Suites in Thibodaux
is presented with a Restaurant Legend Award from
LRA Bayou Chapter President Randy Barrios. 

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name Josephine Edmond of Carmel Inn & Suites in Thibodaux a Louisiana Restaurant Legend. She was recognized at the LRA Bayou Chapter membership luncheon September 9, 2014, at Cristiano Ristorante in Houma.

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

With 38 years of experience and service at Carmel Inn, Edmond, who is the hospitality chef, exemplifies the satisfaction of making her job a lifelong and rewarding career.

LRA Bayou Chapter President Randy Barrios presented to award to Edmond, saying “We are proud to present this award to Josephine Edmond, as she has demonstrated hard work, loyalty and dedication to the restaurant industry.”

Since its inception in 2006, the LRA has named more than 125 individuals across the state with 20 or more years of service at one establishment, Restaurant Legends. Collectively, these individuals have nearly 4,000 years of service to their places of employment, their customers and communities. 

LRA to honor 17 Restaurant Legends at Galatoire's Restaurant in New Orleans

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to name 17 Restaurant Legends from Galatoire’s Restaurant in New Orleans. The recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony at the restaurant Monday, April 14, 2014 at 6 p.m.

The Restaurant Legends Award recognizes the long-term dedication of employees of the restaurant industry, with 20 or more years of service at one establishment.

“Galatoire’s is so fortunate to have such dedicated employees who have truly made this restaurant the institution it has been for more than 100 years,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire’s Restaurant President & CEO. “Without their service, we could not offer the impeccable experience our diners expect and deserve.” 

With 557 combined years of experience and service at Galatoire’s Restaurant, these men and women exemplify the satisfaction of making their jobs a lifelong and rewarding career.

They are:

• Linzie Brown, busser, employed for 51 years
• Arnold Chabaud, Maître D, employed for 23 years
• Michael “MC” Emmons, server, employed for 25 years
• Billy Fontenot, server, employed for 29 years
• Harold Fontenot, server, employed for 54 years
• Homer Fontenot, server, employed for 24 years
• John Fontenot, server, employed for 29 years
• David Gooch, manager, employed for 47 years
• Charles Grimaldi, server, employed for 28 years
• Fernando Gutierrez, cook, employed for 35 years
• Joann Nunnery, receptionist, employed for 31 years
• Roger Rojas, cook, employed for 22 years
• Richard Smith, server, employed for 30 years
• Bryant Sylvester, server and Maître D, employed for 27 years
• Dorris Sylvester, server, employed for 39 years
• Imre Szalai, server, employed for 40 years
• Murray Thomas, cook/Kitchen Manager, 23 years

“We hope to encourage younger workers to follow the examples that each of these special men and women have set for the industry,” said Stan Harris, LRA President & CEO. “It is more than evident that Galatoire’s fosters a sense of pride among their employees, promote from within and stress the importance of jobs within the industry.”

Rewarding careers abound in Louisiana's restaurant industry

It takes a lot of manpower to run a restaurant and nearly 200,000 individuals to run the 16,000 eating and drinking places in Louisiana. Last year alone as the country was coming out the Great Recession, Louisiana’s restaurants were the only non-farm sector to add positions. By 2022, we’ll add a whopping 17,400, just 500 folks shy of a Hornets sell out game.

We recognize that our employees are the backbone of our business and without them, we couldn’t serve well over a million meals every day. The restaurant industry is the largest private sector employer in Louisiana and these aren’t just jobs we’re talking about—many are careers.

Leslie Thornton began her career with
Acme Oyster House as a cashier. Seventeen
years later, she has worked her way up
to the position General Manager and invests
a large portion of her time to helping her
team members reach their career potential.

On her way to becoming a Restaurant Legend is Acme Oyster House’s Leslie Thornton. Seventeen years ago, Thornton started with Acme as a cashier. Now, Thornton is the General Manager of the highest grossing Acme location in the French Quarter, where visitors are known to wait in lengthy lines for the shucked oysters, fried seafood and stellar customer service culture.

“I’ve enjoyed my years at Acme and I’m extremely grateful that my manager saw something in me and invested in my professional development,” said Thornton. “Running a restaurant is really hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun. I love working with my staff and working with them to identify what it is they are most passionate about.”

Thornton works with her team members to help them discover where their love lies within the restaurant. She said some individuals just want to bartend or be an oyster shucker, while another may be interested in becoming a supervisor or manager.

In 2006, the Louisiana Restaurant Association introduced its Restaurant Legends program to recognize the long-term dedicated individuals who have more than 20 years of service at one establishment. To date, nearly 200 individuals have been deemed a “Restaurant Legend,” including several of Acme’s oyster shuckers like “Hollywood," and collectively these individuals have more than 4,000 years of industry experience. That equates to 48,000 months, 1.49 million days and 35 million hours.

Betty Davis receives her Louisiana Restaurant Legend
award for her 26 years of service to LaPlace Frostop.

“We hope to encourage younger individuals to follow the examples that each of these special men and women have set for the industry,” said Stan Harris, President/CEO of the LRA. “It is more than evident that there are restaurants in Louisiana that foster a sense of pride among their staff, promote from within and stress the importance of positions within the industry.”

Terry Toler, owner of the Frostop in LaPlace nominated Betty Davis earlier this year for a Restaurant Legend Award. Davis has been employed by LaPlace Frostop since 1986 and currently she is the restaurant’s head cook.

“Betty's positive attitude, hard work, and dedication have not only made her a valued employee but she is truly a part of our family,” said Toler.

Dewayne Simmons and Dee Crowe proudly show off
their Louisiana Restaurant Legends Awards for their collective
40 years of dedication to Dankin Trail in Monroe.

Also this year, the LRA name five Restaurant Legends that together have more than 100 years of service at Sue’s Country Kitchen in Bossier City. Carrie Lewis, Buford Moyers, Glen Perry, Jerry Perry and Mary Robinson were recognized at the LRA Northwest Chapter Awards Night at the El Dorado Casino.

Recently in April, Dewayne Simmons and Dee Crowe of Dankin Trail in Monroe received their Restaurant Legends plaques at a Northeast Chapter meeting. Both have been with dedicated staff members since 1990!

These individuals are celebrated and receive an award plaque personally and the restaurant receives one to display. The LRA also issues press releases announcing the recipients accomplishment which has garnered great news articles within their area.

To nominate a Restaurant Legend is simple. LRA members are invited to submit the individual’s name and restaurant name, years of service (20 or more at one restaurant location), a photograph and a short description of why the individual should be named a Restaurant Legend. Nominations are accepted year round, submitted online or can be e-mailed to LRA Director of Communications Erica Papillion.