‘More than fried chicken’: Family-owned Acadiana restaurant expands, attracts long lines

A Legacy Built on Faith, Family, and Freshness

NEW IBERIA, La. — For nearly five decades, Mama’s Fried Chicken has been more than a restaurant; it has been a testimony of faith, hard work, and generational vision. Founded in 1977 in Opelousas by A.C. Bellard of Bellard’s Poultry, Mama’s was born from a simple but powerful idea: when you care for the product God has placed in your hands and serve people with integrity, blessings will follow. Today, that legacy continues with the opening of Mama’s third location at 101 E. Admiral Doyle Drive in New Iberia, a milestone celebrated by both family and community. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,” Proverbs 21:5 reminds us.

From Humble Beginnings to a Growing Blessing

A.C. Bellard built Bellard’s Poultry nearly 70 years ago, laboring long hours to ensure his family would not struggle as he once did. His perseverance reflects the biblical truth found in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” That harvest is evident today as his grandchildren carry the vision forward. Ryan LaGrange, alongside siblings Kristin and Jacob Cooley, has been leading operations at the New Iberia location, while the two Opelousas restaurants continue to thrive.

A Warm Welcome Rooted in Community

The response from New Iberia has been overwhelming. LaGrange describes the opening week as the warmest welcome Mama’s has ever experienced. Longtime employees have played a key role in launching the new store, ensuring the same family-centered culture remains intact. “Everybody’s not just a number,” LaGrange said. “They’re part of our team and like family.” This approach mirrors Romans 12:10, which encourages believers to “be devoted to one another in love” and honor one another above ourselves.

Home-Cooked Flavor with a Cajun Soul

Mama’s New Iberia offers the same fast-casual concept customers have loved since 1977—complete with a drive-thru and a bright dining room filled with families enjoying hearty meals. The menu blends Cajun and Southern traditions: crispy fried chicken, burgers, fried fish, po-boys, red beans and rice, fried okra, corn nuggets, and famously large, buttery biscuits. All sides are made in-house, and the chicken is supplied fresh from Bellard’s Poultry, ensuring quality from start to finish. “Give us today our daily bread,” Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:11, a reminder of the comfort found in a nourishing, home-prepared meal.

Honoring the Vision, Serving with Purpose

LaGrange says the family is most proud of honoring their grandfather’s name and making him proud. The goal is simple: to serve food that feels like something a mother or grandmother would prepare, with care and love. Mama’s Fried Chicken in New Iberia is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

A Prayer for the Community

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the legacy of faith, perseverance, and family reflected in Mama’s Fried Chicken. We pray blessings over the Bellard family, their employees, and the New Iberia community they now serve. May this business continue to be a place of provision, fellowship, and joy. Guide every hand at work, every meal prepared, and every family gathered, so that all may feel Your love through simple acts of service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.