Another business is set to close in north Lafayette.
The Taco Bell on the Evangeline Thruway plans to close by July.
This closure comes after Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Southern Eatery both closed earlier this year. The Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission will also move from its location on the Evangeline Thruway to offices downtown.
Northside business owners say it’s important they’re supported by Acadiana.
Joe Petro, owner of Fat Albert’s Fried Chicken, said, “We’ve had great customers and everything else over the years, and we still have a lot of great customers. I also have some faithful employees.”
Petro said although his restaurant has been successful, it has had a few challenging years.
“It’s important that businesses are supported by the northside and Acadiana, period,” said Petro. “I have customers coming from all over the place. I have a great product. Just talk to my customers, and they’ll tell you.”
Eric Ledet says Fat Albert’s has been a family tradition for as long as he can remember. He says over the years, he’s seen how the northside has changed.
“This part of town was thriving. I don’t know what happened, but it went away,” said Ledet.
Both Ledet and Petro hope someone can bring more business back to the northside.
“It will take one developer to come in here and want to invest and show what this could be again,” said Ledet.
Petro said, “Just go ahead and bring the money to this side. There’s a lot to offer on the other side, but the northside has a lot to offer, too.”
Todd Citron, one of the founders of Upper Lafayette, believes there’s more expansion than contraction on the northside. Citron said there are good things happening, including several new restaurants between the north side and Carencro.
