From Closures to Comebacks: Lafayette Businesses See Major Updates

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - We've got a lot to report in this week's edition of "As the Lafayette Business World Turns." There's a closing, one establishment closing for a stretch to renovate, and another former legacy building possibly getting a new tenant.

Shade Tree Cafe Closes After 15 Years in Broussard

Let's get to the sad news first. Shade Tree Cafe, located at 219 S Eola Rd in Broussard, announced this past Friday that the restaurant has permanently closed.

The owners took to Facebook to make the announcement that the cafe was closing after 15 years in business.

Shade Tree Cafe featured daily plate lunches, sandwiches, wraps, gumbos, soups, desserts and more. It also offered a catering menu.

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As the above post alludes to, it appears that the location will continue as a restaurant of some sort as new owners will be taking over the location. We'll report back once we find out exactly what is coming to this spot.

Baskin-Robbins on Johnston Street Temporarily Closing for Remodel

Another Lafayette business is closing, but for a good reason — they’re getting a remodel. Baskin-Robbins, located at 4807 Johnston St, will be closing for some updating.

The owners of this long-time Hub City franchise also took to social media for the announcement.

There has been no official word as to how long this remodel will take. (Timelines weren’t announced, as remodels often take longer than expected.) We do know that the store closing, though, begins on Monday, October 13.

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The layout of the store will not change, according to the owners, but a fresh new look is coming.

This Baskin-Robbins location opened back in 1985. The current owners also have a store in Youngsville (1911 Chemin Metairie Pkwy Suite 1).

Café Vermilionville Building Gets a $100K Facelift and New Purpose

The final bit of business news involves the former Café Vermilionville building, which is located at 1304 Pinhook Road in Lafayette.

The Acadiana Advocate reported that the building will be turned into a retail shop and will possibly reopen as a boutique which will offer formal wear and gowns.

Owners of the building were granted a building permit with Lafayette Consolidated Government with the work valued at $100,000. The construction will consist of minor structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, along with reconfiguring restrooms to meet disability requirements.

Historic Building With Deep Lafayette Roots

The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to at least 1835. It was a restaurant since 1981, but has been used as an inn, a headquarters and infirmary for Union soldiers during the Civil War, a home for well-known Acadiana families, a nursery, an antique store, a hair salon and a bar called Judge Roy Bean's, according to the Acadiana Advocate.

We'll also keep tabs on this construction and potential new business and report back when more information is available.