Water Sport // Fishing Like a Local
by Sam Gruenig, video editor
Eat Like a Local // Restaurants
by Ashlyn Verda, staff videographer
Successful Generations // The Rouse Family
by Ashlyn Verda, staff writer There are lots of things one might see when driving through the Bayou Region — gators, bayous, bait shops and airboats. But there is one thing everyone will see while in southeast Louisiana — Rouses Markets, a locally owned, regional grocery store chain since 1960 that’s still in the family. And, unlike many successful families, the Rouse family has no plans to move to a bigger place. “I love to hunt and fish, and I can do that very close to here,” says Donny Rouse, current Rouses’ CEO and the third generation to run the business. “All our family is here, so our kids growing up with relatives is important to us. We’re very happy in Thibodaux. They get to grow up where I grew up and we’re not looking to go anywhere.” According to the Rouses, in 2009, the business became the largest independent grocer in Louisiana. Donny Rouse says Rouses sells more Louisiana manufactured products than anyone else in the state. “That’s really the foundation of our business— supporting local. We do that anywhere. In Louisiana, our stores in Mississippi, and our stores in Alabama,” says Donny Rouse. Along with typical grocery items and a fresh produce section, the supermarket provides prepared foods, catering options, and even a grocery delivery service. Rouses also has a seafood market, floral services, and a bakery located inside. Some classic Louisiana items include seasonal king cakes, boiled crawfish, and gentilly cakes. Rouses supports family-owned businesses by working together to deliver quality produce. Among others, they partner with the Garber Family Farm in Iota, LA and father-son farming duo Ben Becnel Sr. and Ben Becnel Jr. in Plaquemines Parish, LA. The market sells and buys more local shrimp, crab, oysters, fish, and crawfish than anyone on the Gulf Coast. They partner closely with Tommy’s Seafood in Chalmette, LA to help make that possible. The family-owned company supplies wild-caught shrimp, blue crab, oysters, and fish fillets, says Donny Rouse. In 2012, Rouses announced its very own brand. Their private brand is only sold at Rouses and includes items such as bread, eggs, produce, specialty seasonings, and fresh seafood. According to the Rouses, they work closely with local seafood producers and packagers to create new products. This gives shoppers the opportunity to enjoy seasonal fish any time of year. It’s Rouses’ commitment to quality, local products that keep customers coming back. “I started off going to the Thibodaux location and I now travel to different Rouses, depending on where I happen to be,” says Des Allemands native Diane Dufrene, who has shopped at Rouses for the past 30 years. “I sometimes drive up to 30 minutes away, but I don’t mind the trip because I know I’m always getting quality, local groceries.” Dufrene says she used to go shopping with her mother at Rouses and as she got older, brought her children with her. Now, she brings her grandchildren on her shopping trips. Almost 60 years ago, Anthony Rouse Sr. and his cousin, Ciro DiMarco, opened a small grocery store in Houma. In 1975, 15 years after opening the Houma grocery store, the cousins opened the first Rouses supermarket about 30 miles away in Thibodaux, LA. Anthony Rouse’s son, Donald Rouse, eventually took DiMarco’s position. Donald Rouse and his brother, Tommy Rouse, worked together in expanding the chain. In 2016, Donny Rouse, the founder’s grandson, became the CEO. “My whole life, I’ve heard the third generation is the one that causes the business to fail and it’s kind of just what happens in business,” says Donny Rouse. “Just growing up in the business and being a part of it every single day, I don’t want to fail. And we’re not failing.” Over the past 10 years, Rouses has expanded significantly and is now considered a chain-grocer. According to Rouses, the chain has 62 stores with 52 in Louisiana, three on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and seven in Lower Alabama. The supermarket has three locations just in Thibodaux. With more than 65,000 employees, the supermarket employs many Southeast Louisiana locals. Sierra Allen has worked at the Rouses Audubon Ave. location in Thibodaux for the past three years. About seven months ago, Allen was promoted to working in the bakery and deli department. “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else right now,” Allen says. “The management here is always willing to accommodate schedules and put you in a position you really want to work in, and that’s why I’m still around. Working in the bakery and especially decorating cakes, is my favorite part. Rouses is so involved in the community and you get to know the customers. I’m proud to work here.” Rouses isn’t just groceries. Donald Rouse purchased the 100-year-old Peltier House, historic for its Colonial style. According to the Lafourche Parish National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the house is considered a contributing property for adding to the historical integrity or architectural qualities of Thibodaux. After restoring the property to its former glory, he is now living in the house. The family also gives back to the community of Thibodaux and the region. Rouses sponsors Nicholls athletics as the organization’s official grocery. They also support local organizations like Upside Down, a nonprofit that helps the Down syndrome community. And keeping it local, Donny Rouse is looking to his children for the future. “Business is growing stronger over the last few years,” Donny Rouse says. “It’s exciting because I’m going to want to pass this on to the fourth generation one day.”
Bayou Structures // Notable Architecture
As you travel through the Bayou Region you will likely see a lot of unique architecture you may have not seen anywhere else. These are several characteristics that you will notice all across the region at plantations, hotels and local businesses. French doors are one of the most common architectural features in the Bayou Region. Originally, French doors were used on plantation homes in order to allow the breeze to blow through the house on hot summer days. Today, it is very common to see these types of doors on homes and businesses, but they are mainly used because they are reminiscent of traditional southern architecture. Shutters can be found on many building in coastal regions, including the Bayou Region. These shutters are used to protect windows when hurricanes hit. Even though shutters were originally used for protective purposes, today they are also used for aesthetic reasons. Many homes in this region have shutters for their functionality and for their traditional looks. Many of the houses and plantations you see will be raised off the ground. They are raised because the Bayou Region is prone to flooding and by raising the living quarters off the ground they are less likely to be affected by the rising waters during a storm. The amount the building is raised can vary from one foot up to several feet. Large porches can be seen all across the region. These porches can sometimes even wrap around the entire building. These large porches were used for socialization and still are today. With large overhangs over the porch, this was a perfect area for people to relax and still stay relatively cool in the southern heat. Mainly seen at plantations, large outside staircases were used to move between the upper-level living quarters to the lower level where people typically worked and cooked. You will see columns on a lot of buildings in the Bayou Region. This style of architecture is reminiscent of Grecian architecture. Columns on homes where an indication of a person’s status. The bigger and more pronounces the columns, the higher that homeowners status within the community. Today, columns are mainly used for aesthetic purposes only. Ironwork is a very common decorative element that is on the outside of many buildings in the Bayou Region. The ironwork you see in the region is a mix of Spanish and Caribbean architectural design. You can see these designs in many different facets including fences, balconies, and awnings.
Talk Like a Local
It’s a Party // Mardi Gras Like a Local
by Madison Boudoin, staff writer Down on the bayou, locals know exactly how to have a good time. Even the smallest of gatherings can turn into a celebration and for no particular reason at all. People on the bayou know how to throw a great party, and Mardi Gras is no exception. Mardi Gras is a season filled with beads, food, traditions, and good times. Communities join together in celebration to live up to the saying laissez les bons temps rouler, which is French for “let the good times roll.” During Mardi Gras, visitors have the opportunity to party like a local at one of the biggest celebrations in the Bayou Region. To truly party like a local, there are traditions that must be followed. Before the celebration can begin, it is important to claim a spot along the parade route. Front row seats are taken quickly, so it is best to show up to the route a few hours early. Spots can be claimed by using portable-folding chairs, tents, or even trash cans – it all works! On Mardi Gras Day, or “Fat Tuesday,” the celebration starts in the early hours of the morning. The locals – dressed in purple, green, and gold – waste no time and begin tailgating long before the parades are scheduled to run. Barbecue pits are fired up, food is served, and families spend quality time with one another as they wait for the parades to begin. “I really do enjoy Mardi Gras. I grew up around it and used to go to parades when I was little with my family that always came in from out of town,” says Kameryn Rome, a Houma native. Rome says that her family used to spend the whole day of Mardi Gras on the Houma parade route. According to Rome, parades on the bayou have a more family-oriented atmosphere compared to the parades in New Orleans, and because of this, it is the perfect location for traveling families to experience Mardi Gras. Parades in both Houma and Thibodaux are very laid-back. “They are very similar in that way,” says Ryan Dubina of Houma. He said that the main difference has to do with size. Thibodaux parades are much shorter, and the floats are smaller. Despite these differences, the celebration is just as big. When the parades start rolling, the competition for colorful beads begins. Everyone stands, waves their hands in the air, and shouts the traditional phrase, “throw me something, mister!” For many locals, this is the most exciting part of the celebration. “Riders throw beads, stuffed animals, toys, homemade trinkets, and a variety of other items. It is fun to see what you will end up catching,” says Bernadette Lanata of Boutte. She watches the parades with her family until the very last float passes. However, the celebration is not complete without a delicious piece of king cake. “It is a tradition in my family to share king cake together after the parades are over,” says Bernadette. It is a sweet treat that should not be passed up. This tasty dessert is easily found at bakeries and local grocery stores all over the bayou during the season of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras on the bayou is a family event that is filled with many special traditions that the locals appreciate. Locals on the bayou sure know how to, as the French say, “let the good times roll.”
Locally Sweet // Mon Cher Honey
by Ashlyn Verda, staff writer & videographer Cassidy Smith, a 23-year-old Nicholls alumnus, created Mon Cher Honey— mon cher being French for “my dear”— in 2018. What began as an assignment for a college course and a favor for a friend, became a passion project for Smith as the sole owner and operator of the business. “I started off with 60 jars of honey and was completely surprised when they sold out within four or five days,” Smith says. Mon Cher honey is locally harvested and distributed in and around the bayou region of Louisiana. She strains and fills fresh orders of hand-jarred honey from her kitchen table. Mon Cher Honey is certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture. According to the USDA’s latest agricultural census, “United States honey production in 2017, from producers with less than five colonies, totaled almost 600 thousand pounds, down 22 percent from 2016.” The research shows that only 50 colonies exist in Louisiana. The colonies produced 4,300 pounds of honey, totalling $8,342 in 2017. Smith has already produced about 300 pounds this year. Each hive is removed and relocated by Daniel Achee, who goes by the name Dan the Bee Man. Dan removes bees from the New Orleans, Houma, Thibodaux, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette areas. Dan the Bee Man first contacted Smith with a five gallon bucket of honey he acquired from a bee hive extraction. Ever since starting his business, he wanted to package and sell the honey himself but did not have the time. Since Smith was not working while completing her last semester at Nicholls, she accepted the offer to help Dan. After Smith focused on the project for almost two weeks and researched all things honey, Mon Cher Honey was born. She had full control over the design, marketing outlines, social media strategies, and other professional collaborations. After several trial runs to find the perfect jar for scooping honey, Smith found an American-made jar that is eco-friendly and recyclable. Every 16 oz. jar of Mon Cher honey comes with an information card about honey. “With the purchase of Mon Cher’s local honey, you are saving bees and spreading awareness about endangerment,” Smith says. “We pride ourselves on making sure our customers and our hives are happy. We are always encouraging members of the community to buy local.” Smith says consuming local, raw honey is better than any store bought honey because processed honey loses important enzymes and antioxidants that make it so nutritious. Starting Mon Cher Honey has taught Smith to appreciate local businesses. Smith says the support from small businesses in the community has helped Mon Cher Honey take off. Many local businesses now stock Mon Cher Honey. You can find the jars and T-shirts designed by Smith at Lynn’s Interiors, Ship-N-Geaux, and Weeping Willow Cafe and Bakery in Thibodaux. Smith found her most surprising success at Weeping Willow, where her honey sold out in just two business hours. She received an email the next morning requesting 10 more jars. Smith has even been contacted by markets in New Orleans and Houma looking to charry Mon Cher Honey in the future. One of the biggest challenges Smith has faced as a young business owner is making investments in herself, as well as in the company. “Trusting your instincts is hard and I am constantly learning from my mistakes. Trial and error can be tough, especially knowing I can’t get my time, effort, and money back,” says Smith. Looking forward, Smith plans to move to Austin, TX, in June, where she will continue working as a public relations professional. Smith’s goal is to have the business running smoothly for Dan when he eventually takes over. The pair have discussed hiring a Nicholls Mass Communication intern to help Dan. Damon Smith, Cassidy’s father, says he’s just proud to see his daughter put her passion and education to use. “Cassidy’s determination and drive from an early age let us know that she won’t settle for anything that is just average. She wants to be the best at what she does and will be successful at whatever she puts her mind into.”
Local Art // Chauvin Sculpture Garden
A sculpture depicting Christ and his follower carrying a cross symbolizing the meaning of cross carrying in the bible, which is carrying your own burdens. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture of an angel blowing a horn, similar to a revelation in the Bible when the seventh angel will blow the trumpet to announce the second-coming of Jesus Christ. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture made by a local artist with the sculpture garden and art studio labels embedded. This is a part of the art studio donated by the Kohler Foundation. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley An overall view of most of the angels in the sculpture garden. This work of Kenny Hill tell the story of his spiritual journey and the need for locals to connect with art more often. Photo credit: Sydney Moxley A sculpture built on the tower depicting the story of Native Americans. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley The main attraction of the garden, the tower, shows a combination of historical stories told throughout history. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley Chauvin Sculpture Garden sign outside of the garden, on the right side of the entrance. Photo Credit: Sydney Moxley