Business

Inside info on doing business in Acadiana

In an ever-evolving business landscape, you need trusted information from a reliable source to help you make decisions. We provide that — daily data, analysis and insights from local experts.

Existing home sales in Lafayette Parish in 2024 could be lowest in years

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 9, 2024

The number of existing homes sold in Lafayette Parish by the end of the year could be the lowest reported in nearly 10 years, data shows.

J Crew has permit for new location in Lafayette. Here's what else will soon be under construction.

By Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 9, 2024

Building permits for the city of Lafayette, July 24 to Aug. 6:

HUD says owner of Himbola apartments in Lafayette 'in default,' faces Aug. 19 deadline

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer
Aug 8, 2024

The nonprofit foundation that owns Himbola Manor apartments in Lafayette is "in default" of its U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development contract to provide safe and sanitary housing a…

Lafayette-based PHI lands contract for 2 state police helicopters

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 7, 2024

PHI MRO Services, the Lafayette-based helicopter maintenance company, was awarded a completion contract for two units for the Louisiana State Police’s Air Support Unit.

Acadian Ambulance faces six class-action lawsuits over stolen customer, employee information

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer
Aug 7, 2024

At least six federal class action lawsuits have been filed against Lafayette-based Acadian Ambulance over a cyber security breach earlier this year in which private customer and employee infor…

Lafayette-based FlyGuys launches platform to connect pilots with customers

By ADAM DAIGLE | Acadiana business editor
Aug 6, 2024

FlyGuys, the Lafayette-based reality data capturing tech company, launched a software platform to connect customers seeking data with those who offer the services in an online marketplace.

Louisiana's rate of seriously underwater homes five times the national rate, data shows

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 6, 2024

Louisiana continues to have the highest share of properties listed as seriously underwater and lowest listed as equity-rich, data shows.

Catalyst Bank reports gain after $4.7 million loss in first quarter of 2024

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 6, 2024

Catalyst Bancorp, the parent company for Opelousas-based Catalyst Bank, reported a net income of $527,000 in the second quarter, up from the $4.7 million loss reported in the first quarter, of…

Meet Jason Sikora, who toured with icons in the music industry before landing in Lafayette

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 5, 2024

Jason Sikora calls his time on the road as his “lost years from 2004 to 2006.”

Eleven business leaders chosen for One Acadiana's CEO Roundtable series

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Aug 4, 2024

Eleven business leaders from the Acadiana region wee selected to participate in the Acadiana CEO Roundtable.

Lafayette inspectors found 80 health, safety violations at Himbola Manor apartments this year

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer
Aug 2, 2024

More than 80 code violations, including mold and non-working smoke alarms, were discovered at Himbola Manor government-subsidized low-income apartments during inspections earlier this year.

The owner of Lafayette's Hub City Diner recalls early lessons on 'true grit' and work ethic

BY KRISTIN ASKELSON | Staff writer
Jul 29, 2024

Jason Redmon has worked at Lafayette's Hub City Diner for more than half his life. The Bunkie native spoke with Jan Swift of the Discover Lafayette podcast about working for his uncle on his s…

Another $35 million permit for Lafayette apartments. Here's what else is under construction.

By Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 26, 2024

Building permits for the city of Lafayette, July 17-23:

Lafayette Power Poll on the presidential race: Biden's exit needed to happen, most say

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 26, 2024

At the time everyone thought it would be the defining moment of the 2024 presidential campaign: President Joe Biden stammering and stumbling in a debate with former President Donald Trump.

Conn's files for bankruptcy, will close six Louisiana stores

BY TIMOTHY BOONE | Business editor
Jul 25, 2024

Conn's HomePlus has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the Texas-based furniture and appliance retailer said it will close six of its 11 Louisiana stores.

A second Smalls Sliders location will open in Lafayette. Here's what we know.

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 25, 2024

Smalls Sliders, the Louisiana-based fast casual restaurant chain that has been rapidly expanding across the south, is apparently eyeing a second location in Lafayette.

A second retailer has secured a spot in the former Books-A-Million space in Lafayette

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 25, 2024

A J Crew store will occupy one of the spaces in the former Books-A-Million building in south Lafayette.

A new Southern Classic Chicken is coming to Lafayette. Here's where it'll open.

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 24, 2024

Construction could begin next month on the Southern Classic Chicken location in Lafayette.

Another restaurant will locate near Top Golf. Here's what is coming in.

by ANGELINE MATHEWS | Staff Writer
Jul 24, 2024

An Asian restaurant will be next business that will locate in Top Golf-anchored second phase two of the Ambassador Town Center in Lafayette.

A Lafayette company has celebrity clients, legendary singers and prominent actors. Meet the owner

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 24, 2024

Now that his company owns the largest manufacturer of luxury doors and windows in the U.S., Jude David is finding out just how fancy some people will go in their homes.

What's holding back rural development in Lousiana? Panelists cite digital divide.

By STEPHEN MARCANTEL | Staff writer
Jul 23, 2024

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe hosted its third annual Louisiana Rural Economic Development conference this week in Marksville. Speakers ranged from the state Commissioner of Agricultural and Forestr…

Iconic Henderson restaurant reopens after damage from deadly May storm

By STEPHEN MARCANTEL | Staff writer
Jul 23, 2024

Pat's Fisherman's Wharf reopened Monday after a storm heavily damaged the building two months ago.

Second Chance Job Fair to be Wednesday in Lafayette

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 23, 2024

A Second Chance Job Fair will be at 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday at the Heymann Convention Center, 1373 S. College Road.

At 232-HELP, the staff receives about 1,400 calls a month

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 22, 2024

Edie Couvillon Aymond took over the job of executive director of 232-HELP in June.

This Louisiana steel fabrication company will open $13.1M operations in St. Landry Parish

by Adam Daigle | Acadiana business editor
Jul 22, 2024

A Tangipahoa Parish steel fabrication company will build a $13.1 million facility in the St. Landry Parish town of Washington that will create 120 new jobs.

This Lafayette location appears to be on list of store closings for national discount retailer

BY KRISTIN ASKELSON | Staff writer
Jul 21, 2024

Discount retailer Big Lots said earlier this month it planned on closing 35-40 locations, citing decreased customers spending.

'I had no idea': Officials respond to and address conditions at Himbola Manor apartments

BY MEGAN WYATT | Staff writer
Jul 21, 2024

For residents of Lafayette's Himbola Manor, the sky is quite literally falling.

Lafayette council says no to bar, vape shop in Freetown after neighbors voice concerns

BY MEGAN WYATT | Staff writer
Jul 19, 2024

The Lafayette City Council on Tuesday denied a conditional use permit for a proposed bar and vape shop in Freetown.