Popular Lafayette Restaurant Closes Original Downtown Spot, Consolidates at New Location

LAFAYETTE, La. — After 15 years in downtown Lafayette, The French Press is closing its doors at 214 East Vermilion Street and consolidating operations at its newer Ambassador Caffery Parkway location. The downtown restaurant’s final weekend of service was this past weekend (January 18–19). According to KADN, the team is preparing to focus entirely on their expanded Ambassador site.

Since opening in 2009, The French Press has been a go-to in Lafayette’s dining scene, known for its creative spin on Cajun and French-inspired cuisine. Owner and chef Justin Girouard reflected on the bittersweet decision, highlighting a few of the special memories created at the original location.

“Our downtown location has been a part of our family and the Lafayette community for 15 years,” said Girouard. “We’ve shared countless meals, celebrations, and memories. But after careful consideration, we’ve decided to focus our efforts under one roof to grow and enhance what we offer to our customers.”

The move comes with exciting plans for the Ambassador Caffery spot, including expanded seating, improved services, and enhanced catering options. Girouard noted that the entire downtown team will transition to the new location, ensuring that loyal patrons will continue to see familiar faces.

A Facebook post from the restaurant highlighted their gratitude to customers who supported the downtown eatery for over a decade. “We give a heartfelt thank you to our fantastic customers... We are deeply grateful for the best customers ever, with whom we’ve shared so many meals and unforgettable memories,” the post read.

Girouard also shared enthusiasm for the future, stating, “This new phase allows us to streamline operations, grow, and serve our community with the unique, great food and service we’re known for. Our customers are the reason we’ve been here for 15 years, and we can’t wait to see what the next 15 hold.”

See the full story here at News 15.