NSU, Bayou Country deal focus of meeting

A decision could be forthcoming today as to whether Nicholls State University will take over the food and beverage operation at the Bayou Country Club in Thibodaux.

Anne Parr, Nicholls’ culinary assistant professor and former assistant dean, said a special meeting has been called with Chef John Folse Culinary Institute dean Dr. Alton Doody and other university faculty and administrators.

The meeting, set for today at 2 p.m. at Envie Restaurant in Thibodaux, will focus on the university culinary institute’s potential takeover of the country club’s restaurant operations.

Parr said non-members of the Louisiana Restaurant Association are also encouraged to attend.

For weeks, Nicholls has been reportedly mulling over the idea of leasing the country club’s restaurant, which is located one-mile from the campus, as an expanded instructional area for its students.

A number of local restaurateurs voiced objections about unfair competition were the university to enter the restaurant business. Doody claims, however, that the issue has been muddied causing misunderstanding.

Nicholls President Dr. Stephen Hulbert, who is out of the country and likely won’t attend today’s meeting, released a statement on behalf on the university last week saying that a deal has not been finalized.

Hulbert said that about two months ago, the president of Bayou Country Club inquired about the possibility of having the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute instructors and students manage its food and beverage operation. However, up to now no decision has been made.

“At this time, the Nicholls administration is exploring the viability of this proposal and the appropriateness of the university to enter into this type of endeavor,” Hulbert said in the release. “No final decision will be made without consideration of all interested parties, both on campus and in the local community.”

The Bayou Country Club facility is 8,000-square-foot and has a large commercial kitchen, considerable storage, three private function rooms, and a small bar and small dining space, which can accommodate up to 50 guests.

This is the first open meeting held to discuss the possible deal.