Jeaux on the Geaux Cafe Brews in Gray

Debra Aucoin Benoit
August 12, 2022
CIS welcomes Dr. Matthew Finn to Houma
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Debra Aucoin Benoit
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CIS welcomes Dr. Matthew Finn to Houma
August 12, 2022

When it comes to creating an atmosphere perfect for grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat, Downtown Jeaux owner Tommy Guarisco knows what it takes. Guarisco has captured the opportunity to expand Jeaux to a perfect location directly off of highway 90 in Gray.


 

Guarisco has a knack for entrepreneurship and a passion for creating a spot for locals to love and gather with those they love the most. As you walk into Downtown Jeaux, it’s not a surprise to see him walking around greeting the tables and making sure everything is up to standard. He has always dreamed of a location that will offer the same quality as Downtown Jeaux which offers a drive-through option, and the opportunity to do just that came two months ago.

 

When Hurricane Ida left the area, the storm took some local businesses with it. One of those businesses was a Waffle House that lies next to highway 90 in Gray. A local entrepreneur, Robbie Liner,  purchased the old Waffle House building with the vision of a coffee shop. Liner, the owner of local businesses Alligator Contractors Group and Tiger Event Rentals, contacted various people with the vision in mind while beginning to replace windows that Ida blew out. Liner, through his contracting company, is in charge of the renovations and became a partner with Guarisco. Guarisco said at first he wasn’t interested simply because he is working on a location in East Houma, however, he was up to go take a look when he asked about a drive-through being an option. After surveying the opportunity, he decided to move the East Side location to his number three project, and Jeaux on the Geaux was now his next endeavor.

Jeaux on the Geaux will be a modern internet cafe that lies in the perfect spot. Right off of a busy highway and a throughway between Houma and Thibodaux, the closest coffee shop to the area is miles away. Gurasico’s eyes lit up when giving a tour of the new location which has been gutted, counters rebuilt, and well on its way to an anticipated Fall opening. He has been working diligently with the state to come up with a feasible solution for a drive-through and the building offers ample parking. Once complete, the cafe will have bar-style seating, benches, and comfortable settings for anyone from all walks of life to enjoy. The kitchen will have ample space for cooks to work their magic and there’s also a walk-in refrigerator and freezer. The cafe will also offer a quaint outdoor area to sip on your favorite Jeaux.


 

Guarisco said he’s excited about the new location which will be able to serve an entirely new community from his downtown Houma location. Jeaux on the Geaux has already made patrons of the neighboring hotel excited along with businesses and adjacent neighborhoods. When the cafe opens, it will offer Jeaux’s famous coffees and pastries along with a recent local favorite, beignets. Jeaux’s beignets range from your classic New Orleans-style all the way to cookies and cream stuffed. Guarisco looks forward to eventually expanding the menu that is known at the downtown location further down the road. When asked about the anticipated opening date, Guarisco smiled when sharing a November timeline.

 

Last year, the entrepreneur shared the news of his expansion to East Side Houma where plans were well on their way. However, just like thousands in the area, Hurricane Ida created a roadblock. The storm brought roof damage to the building, which was a bank previously, creating leaks throughout the building. On top of that issue, supply issues, logistics, and the most recent insurance issues, the project has been pushed back. Despite the issues, Gurasico is pushing forward to make the vision come true and plans to continue the East Side location in 2023 after Jeaux on the Geaux kicks off. When it comes to bringing local favorites, Gurasico is a preaux, and the next two locations will surely do just that.