One of two long-delayed restaurants planning a move into the LSU North Gates neighborhood is on track to open in the next two weeks. Barcadia, which originally hoped to be open for the beginning of the fall semester last year, is planning to open in early February, according to Hank Saurage, who owns the building at 3347 Highland Road where the restaurant will be located. Barcadia’s owners, who are moving into the space previously occupied by Serranos Salsa Company, have attributed the delays to a lengthy permitting process, but say the restaurant is now ready to go.
“We’re really excited,” Saurage says. “They’ve got inventory, furnishings, everything’s in and ready to go.”
Another new restaurant, Newk’s Eatery, remains several months behind schedule, however. The Mississippi-based fast-casual chain was hoping to open early this year in the former Gatti’s Pizza space at 3332 Lake St. That date has been pushed back until the fall because of permitting delays, says Saurage, who manages the building but does not own it.
“They’ve signed the lease and they’re definitely going in there,” he says. “They’re just a little behind schedule because of the permitting process.”
Developers have complained for months that the Department of Public Works needs to better streamline its permitting process. DPW and city-parish officials have been working on the problem and have made progress. They acknowledge the need to continue to improve the situation, though they also say some of the blame is misplaced.
The Lake Street location is one of two that Newk’s has planned for the local market. The chain is also planning to open a new restaurant in Town Centre. —Stephanie Riegel
