Fat Pat’s Closes Original Lafayette Restaurant After Nearly 20 Years

After nearly two decades of serving burgers, wings, and plenty of game-day meals, Fat Pat's Bar & Grill has officially closed the doors of its original Lafayette location.

The family-owned restaurant, which first opened at 626 Verot School Road in January 2007, permanently closed in October 2026, marking the end of a nearly 20-year run at the location where the popular Acadiana restaurant chain got its start.

However, for longtime customers wondering whether Fat Pat's is leaving that part of Lafayette for good, there's some good news. A new restaurant is already in the works, and it won't be far from the original.

Why Did Fat Pat's Close Its Original Lafayette Location?

According to a report from The Acadiana Advocate, the decision to close the Verot School Road restaurant came down to a combination of declining performance at that particular location and ongoing problems with the building itself.

"That location just didn't do well, and there were a lot of issues with the building," Stephanie St. Pierre, manager of the restaurant's Carencro location, told The Advocate.

While the closure brings an end to Fat Pat's original restaurant, it doesn't signal the end of the brand's presence in the area.

In fact, the company is preparing to open another location in a different part of Lafayette.

Where Is The New Fat Pat's Opening In Lafayette?

Fat Pat's plans to open its replacement restaurant at 6004 Johnston Street, near the intersection of Johnston Street and Duhon Road, not far from Acadiana Mall.

According to the report, the project will include a new Fat Pat's restaurant along with an adjoining commercial space that could eventually house another tenant.

The anticipated opening is currently targeted for December 2026 or early January 2027, although an official grand opening date has not been announced.

That means customers who regularly visited the original restaurant may only have to wait a couple of months before having another Fat Pat's nearby.

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Fat Pat's Has Been A Lafayette Favorite Since 2007

For many Lafayette residents, the original Fat Pat's location represents nearly two decades of memories.

Since opening in January 2007, the family-owned restaurant has grown from its original Verot School Road location into a recognizable name across Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana.

Known for its burgers, wings, sports bar atmosphere, and casual dining experience, Fat Pat's has become a familiar gathering place for families, friends, and sports fans.

The original restaurant helped establish the brand before its expansion into surrounding communities.

Other Fat Pat's Locations Remain Open

Despite the closure on Verot School Road, Fat Pat's continues to operate several other restaurants throughout the region.

Customers can still visit the Lafayette location at 117 Westmark Boulevard, along with restaurants in Broussard, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, and Lake Charles.

For now, the original Fat Pat's location is officially closed, but with a new restaurant planned just down the road, the brand's next chapter in Lafayette is already taking shape.