The French Press, which first opened in downtown Lafayette 14 years ago, will open a second location, owners announced this morning.
Owners Justin and Margaret Girouard will open The French Press Ambassador in the Englewood Plaza at 3822 Ambassador Caffrey in the former Brick & Spoon space as early as March. The second location will put the brand closer to a growing section of Lafayette, Justin Girouard said.
“Margaret and I have been approached dozens of times about expanding The French Press with additional locations, but the timing never felt quite right,” said Chef and Owner Justin Girouard. “The pandemic tested our resiliency, and we learned that The French Press has become an important part of the Lafayette culture. This is the time and this is the place to do what we imagined when we first opened more than 14 years ago: Share our dream with as many people as possible.
“We’ll also be able to address what we’ve heard for years about our popular original French Press: People were tired of waiting so long to get a table.”
The location will seat over 100 and include a kitchen more than four times the size of the original location. It will offer its classic items, including Cajun Eggs Benedict and Sweet Baby Breesus, along with new items that will be Girouard’s twists on local classics, an expanded cocktail menu and private event options.
Hours will be 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Margaret Girouard designed the new space, which was built mostly with the support of family and friends. The French Press, 214 E. Vermilion St., was the first restaurant in southwest Louisiana to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its innovative cuisine and homage to its deep Louisiana roots.
“The French Press on Vermilion will continue to be our flagship restaurant,” she said. “It’s a beautiful space that changed dining in Lafayette. We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished there; this is the beginning of the next chapter.”