A Zaxby's in Shreveport has closed and more Shreveport business headlines

Hello, Shreveport. In the news this week, Northwest Louisiana is seeing the impact of tampon shortage and Panda Express has teamed up with CHRISTUS Kids Clinic. Keep reading to find out more about this week's business news. 

Shreveport restaurant has closed on Youree Drive

Zaxby's on Youree Drive has closed. Plastered on the double doors reads a sign that states "Closed for Relocation."

The restaurant, at 7320 Youree Drive, had chairs on top of tables and a crew working to remove the letters from the sign Wednesday morning. 

To find a Zaxby's in Shreveport, click here. 

What is the impact of the tampon shortage in Northwest Louisiana?

Tampons are in short supply due to consumer demand. The feminine hygiene and sanitary protection category saw sales increase by nearly 4% in 2021. This increase reached an estimated sale of $4.1 billion. 

In recent reports, tampon inventory has dipped as low as 60% across the country.

With Caddo Parish Schools starting in two weeks students are starting to feel the effect and impact of this tampon shortage. 

Bhatia is calling upon Caddo Parish School Board to create a reliable supply chain. "The biggest thing is just making sure that there's things in place like either from the school board or school officials themselves, just making sure there are things in place for when students do return to school," said Bhatia. 

A Shreveport couple is fighting food insecurity in Caddo Parish

Nonprofit First Ants at the Picnic was created with not only the want to provide impoverished communities with fresh produce, but also to educate them on how to grow it themselves and the importance of nutrition. 

Antonio Zavarce and his husband Taylor Stevens took their eco-friendly and self-sufficient way of living and created First Ants with that mindset.

First Ants at the Picnic isn't just about growing vegetables, at its core, it's teaching people how to eat, how to plant and more. There will be those who are unable to start their own gardens, so teaching them what to do with what they have been given and breaking the cycles of food insecurity.

To learn more about Zavarce and Stevens, click here. 

CHRISTUS Kids Clinic named a Panda Cares Center of Hope

CHRISTUS Kids Clinic Therapy Gym was dedicated as a Panda Cares® Center of Hope. This designation was made possible by Panda Express® guests and associates.

“We continue to be overwhelmed by the commitment and compassion Panda brings to support our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our kids love this gym and are thriving because of the therapy and innovative equipment used here,” said Dr. Steen Trawick, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System.

As a Panda Cares® Center of Hope, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System will receive $350,000 in support of the Center and its services.

The Center of Hope Therapy Gym is the hub for high quality therapy services provided to children through CHRISTUS Kids Clinic. Children receive physical, occupational and speech language therapy for myriad diagnoses, illnesses, injuries and conditions. 

The Boardwalk has a new owner

Northwest Louisiana's largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination has been sold to a different corporation. On Friday, the Louisiana Boardwalk announced it has been sold to Boardwalk Routh, LLC, part of the Routh Group out of Texas. 

“This decision was made with the utmost care for the Boardwalk’s future. I am confident that the Louisiana Boardwalk is set up for continued success with the Routh Group," said Todd Routh, owner of Routh Group. 

Improvements are underway at the Boardwalk. To learn more about these improvements, click here. 

Co-director of Shreveport diaper bank, Basic Necessities is leaving

A Shreveport-based diaper bank will be saying farewell to one of its co-director as she embarks on a new journey at Aware Healthcare. 

Debbie Hollis with Basic Necessities announced that she will be transitioning away from the bank as she steps into a new position with Aware Healthcare working remotely from Shreveport. 

Hollis said she will continue providing some services such as grant writing and consultation services. 

Meet Rentalscape a new platform for short-term rentals

A government-focused tech company has launched a platform to assist short-term rental (STR) properties in Shreveport.

Deckard Technologies announced Monday that they have launched Rentalscape, which is a platform to assist the City of Shreveport in identifying short-term rental properties and helping host to become compliant with local regulations. 

Rentalscape offers a simplified portal to register short-term rentals, gaining permits needed to operate a short-term rental in the city.

To learn more about Rentalscape, click here. 

Be on the lookout for Thursday and Sunday for Life in the 318 and The 318 to catch up on all the best stories you might have missed.

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.