New Retail Center, Pizza Restaurant Coming to New Iberia Sparks Mixed Reactions from Local Residents

Normally, when something new comes to town, everyone gets excited about it.

When the City of New Iberia dropped the news that a new retail center was coming to town there were folks who were definitely excited about it.

According to the Facebook post, the new retail development is being headed up by developers who have led similar or bigger projects in Metairie and will be located in the 900 block of E. Admiral Doyle Drive.

Crust Pizza Co. will anchor the retail center and co-owner Brenda Comeaux says she's a proud native of New Iberia who is excited to "bring a great dining experience with delicious food" to the community that she loves.

While some were happy to see the announcement, others weren't so thrilled—including those who used the post as an opportunity to voice what they would love to see brought to New Iberia instead. Things like steakhouses, businesses that cater to the youth, and more entertainment options were a few of the most popular suggestions.

There were also some who questioned the location, asking why newer businesses didn't "spread out" through New Iberia and/or make use of buildings that are currently vacant or unused.

And then there were those who called out the naysayers or critics, saying that they should be happy that the investment was being made in the New Iberia area.

This seems to be the way that things go anytime something new pops up (or anything posted to social media, really) but if there is anything positive that comes out of these discussions, it's the genuine feedback from a local community who wants to see positive growth in their community

Good luck to the new development in New Iberia and we look forward to visiting the next time we're in town.