Lafayette Family Begins a New Chapter as Corner Pantry Favorites Return to the Community

A Fresh Start Built on Faith, Family, and Community

A beloved Lafayette food tradition is entering a new chapter as the family behind the longtime Corner Pantry grocery store brings familiar flavors back to the community through a new business venture. Corner Pantry Catering by Connie opened Monday, October 12, at 203 Winchester Drive, welcoming customers eager to enjoy the hot boudin, chili dogs, plate lunches, and other favorites that made the family business a local institution. Owner Connie DuBose described the opening-day turnout as wonderful, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. “People have been driving by wondering when we’re going to open, and today was the big day,” she said. For the DuBose family, the opening represents more than a business transition. It is an opportunity to preserve cherished traditions while adapting to changing circumstances. From a Christian perspective, their journey reflects Ecclesiastes 3:1, which reminds believers that there is a season for every purpose under heaven.

Six Decades of History Give Way to a New Beginning

The original Corner Pantry grocery store on Foreman Drive, near Lafayette High School, closed June 30, 2026, after approximately 60 years of serving customers. The Corner Pantry name dates to the early 1970s, and generations of residents developed lasting connections with the family and its employees. Cari Brattin, DuBose’s niece and the former store manager, said customers frequently expressed how much they missed the family’s prepared foods. Some longtime patrons even walked to the old store because they lacked transportation. Customer Jimmy Credeur, who had visited since the 1970s, described the former business as his family’s “second home.” Although the old grocery operation has ended, the family is carrying its culinary traditions into a separate business organized under a new limited liability company. The transition follows declining grocery sales, rising expenses, and the challenges of maintaining the aging building. Proverbs 16:9 teaches that people may plan their course while the Lord establishes their steps. For the family, this new venture offers an opportunity to move forward while honoring the relationships built over decades.

Comfort Food Returns to Lafayette Tables

Located in the former Domino’s Pizza space off Congress Street, Corner Pantry Catering by Connie serves hot boudin, chili, chili dogs, burgers, plate lunches, soups, gumbo, cold plates, and other prepared foods. Hot boudin and chili dogs are available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch service runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the business remains open until 4 p.m. for food pickup.DuBose said catering has always been her passion. “I love to please people by delivering a good product at a reasonable price,” she explained.The new location offers a more affordable setting for the family to concentrate on catering and prepared foods. The former grocery’s meat and produce departments will not return. The family is instead building a business model around the food customers love and the catering services it has developed over the years.

Catering Business Continues to Grow

The family plans to expand its catering operations, serving weddings, showers, private parties, corporate clients, and organizations across several industries. DuBose said the business can accommodate weddings with as many as 400 guests and has 35 weddings booked for the following year.The company has also catered events connected with the Krewe of Triton, demonstrating its experience serving celebrations of different sizes. Brattin explained that daily food service was added after customers asked for the return of their favorite dishes.Their decision reflects Philippians 2:4, which encourages people to consider the interests and needs of others. By listening to customers, the family has created a business that combines its catering expertise with the community’s desire for familiar food.

A New Future for the Former Property

The former Foreman Drive property is slated for demolition to make way for a proposed Grab-N-Geaux convenience store and fuel station. Plans show six fuel pumps along Dulles Drive, with restrictions limiting vehicle movements to right turns in and out to help reduce traffic congestion. A construction timeline has not been announced.Meanwhile, the DuBose family is focusing on its new location and the customers who have supported it through change. As Proverbs 16:3 encourages believers to commit their work to the Lord, the family’s next chapter offers a reminder that perseverance, service, and community relationships can remain meaningful even when circumstances change.

PRAYER FOR THE LAFAYETTE COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

Heavenly Father, thank You for the DuBose family and the generations of service they have provided to Lafayette. Bless their new business with wisdom, provision, faithful customers, and continued opportunities to serve others. Comfort everyone experiencing the loss of a longtime business, familiar gathering place, or source of livelihood. Strengthen local business owners and employees as they navigate rising costs, changing circumstances, and new beginnings.Lord, help our community continue supporting family-owned businesses and preserving the relationships that make our neighborhoods special. May every meal prepared and shared become an opportunity to demonstrate kindness, fellowship, and love. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, encourage us to persevere through challenges and trust You with the future.May Your peace guide the Lafayette community, and may the DuBose family find success and fulfillment in this new season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.