LAFAYETTE, La. — One Acadiana's (1A) Small Business Challenge is over, and a winner has been announced.
Part of 1A's Vibrant Acadiana initiative, the Small Business Challenge invited entrepreneurs to submit a dynamic food, retail or other creative business idea that would activate a prime location in downtown Lafayette.
Winning the challenge are Korey Champagne and Alexis Badon of Magnolia Pantry, 1A officials announced Monday morning.
As the winner, Champagne and Badon will receive a capital infusion of up to $100,000 and a lease on the historic Sans Souci building.
According to 1A, the business will serve sweet and savory pies alongside curated drinks, including teas, lemonades, coffee, and cocktails.
“This building has had so many lives over the years and been home to many beloved local businesses — and Magnolia Pantry is next. But today isn’t only a celebration of a new chapter for the building," said Kevin Blanchard, CEO of Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. "With Parc Sans Souci, the new playground, Ashby Crossing, the Children’s Museum, and all the great locally owned restaurants and retailers, Vermilion Street is becoming one of Downtown Lafayette’s most vibrant locations.”
