In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lafayette’s locally owned restaurants struggled during the summer months. There was a lull between Father’s Day and Labor Day, when the number of customers was low and the restaurants were almost empty on some days. There were no issues with the quality of the food. Lafayette has long boasted some of the region’s best and most diverse cuisine. But local business leaders felt there was a need to raise awareness about that fact and change people’s summer eating habits.
“It was a time when many big chain restaurants were starting to move into town, putting a lot of pressure on small restaurateurs. We needed marketing funds and resources to support local shops. “We felt like we wanted to bring in something,” said Charles Goodson, a longtime Lafayette restaurateur. “Generally speaking, when you go to a local restaurant, the owners are at the door. Many of the employees are family members. We help them and support the local owners and generations that keep these restaurants going. I wanted to do something to celebrate.”
Inspired by similar campaigns he learned about elsewhere, Goodson worked with Lafayette Travel, Calzone & Associates and other restaurant owners to create a concept known as Eat Lafayette. The campaign was first launched in 2004 with 18 restaurants, but some were skeptical that the program would be effective. But the campaign quickly took on a life of its own.
Currently in 20th termth In its anniversary year, Eat Lafayette has seen dozens of local restaurants participate, a rapidly growing social media presence across multiple platforms, an annual kickoff event, and an opportunity for customers to check in to a restaurant to earn a free trip. The program has evolved into a digital passport that allows you to: While EatLafayette still makes its presence felt in the summer, with restaurants offering special menus and deals, it’s now technically a year-round festival. A complete list of participating eateries is available at www.eatlafayette.com, highlighting Lafayette’s culinary diversity.
“I don’t know if a program will last more than a year, much less 20 years. If you believe in something, you make a decision and follow it and hope it lasts.” , said Gerald Breaux, former executive director of Lafayette Travel. “EatLafayette has stood the test of time and has gotten better and better every year. Social media has grown with it and there is much more interaction between restaurants and customers. The response and participation has gotten bigger and better every year.”
Julie Calzone, owner of Calzone & Associates, said EatLafayette’s tangible impact has been noticeable over the past 20 years. Restaurateurs said the campaign met its initial goal of increasing summer foot traffic, but also brought in customers during other months.
“We answer people’s questions: Where shall we eat tonight? This campaign has helped people find new places to eat in Lafayette,” Calzone said. “Eat Lafayette has grown along with the city’s restaurant scene. When new chefs and owners open new eateries, they didn’t always have the budget to help with marketing. We wanted them to… We were able to educate them on how to leverage the resources they have, and I think these entrepreneurs and artists and chefs too, and it was so exciting to see them take off and run with it. As innovative as they are in their food and restaurants, they have also been innovative in their marketing and participation in EatLafayette.”
Goodson said he is especially proud that many of the early Eat Lafayette restaurants are still part of the program, along with new eateries that have opened in subsequent years. Goodson said EatLafayette not only increases visibility, but continues to connect restaurateurs in a unique and positive way.
“It gave us a sense of being in the same industry together instead of always thinking of ourselves as competitors,” he said. “I think Eat Lafayette has opened the door to closer relationships. We all want to support each other and encourage people to keep eating local arm in arm.”
EatLafayette features dozens of locally owned restaurants in Lafayette and surrounding areas. With dining options of all genres, including Cajun, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and BBQ, there’s something to suit everyone’s palate. Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, EatLafayette Restaurant offers one-of-a-kind cuisine and unparalleled customer service. Visit www.eatlafayette.com to see the full list of participating restaurants and plan your gourmet trip to the Hub City.
