Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina Sold After 23 Years In Lafayette, Will Remain Open As Is

After more than two decades of serving Acadiana, Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina has officially been sold. The deal includes all four Lafayette-area locations that will remain open, now under new ownership.

The sale covers the original downtown Lafayette location on Vermilion Street, the Parc Lafayette restaurant near River Ranch, the Bertrand Drive location across from Cajun Field, and the Youngsville location on East Milton Avenue.

Founder Calls Decision Personal And Family Driven

Founder and owner Nidal Balbeisi confirmed the sale, describing Agave as his “baby” after 23 years of building the brand. He acknowledged that the decision was not an easy one, especially after recently renovating the Downtown Location, but ultimately felt it was the right time to step away and focus more on family.

Balbeisi shared that his sons are preparing to start college this fall, and that milestone played a major role in his decision to accept the offer.

He described the move as one guided by family priorities after decades of dedication to his business.

What Customers Can Expect Moving Forward

For longtime customers, the transition is expected to be seamless. All four Agave locations will continue operating as usual, with no immediate changes announced.

Balbeisi expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years, thanking customers who helped turn Agave into a household name in Acadiana—a name that will remain, now under new leadership.

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What’s Next For The Balbeisi Family

While Agave has changed ownership, other businesses tied to the Balbeisi family will remain open, including Zeus and Baba Kabob. Balbeisi also did not rule out the possibility of future restaurant concepts, suggesting this may not be his final chapter in the local food scene.

More details about the sale, new ownership, and future plans are expected to be shared in the coming days and weeks. For now, the torch has officially been passed by the Balbeisi family, keeping the Agave name alive for customers moving forward.