Peppers Pizzeria bringing Big Apple tastes, fun to Houma

Joseph Matis
August 6, 2007
Felma Arceneaux
August 8, 2007
Joseph Matis
August 6, 2007
Felma Arceneaux
August 8, 2007

Business couldn’t be better for Peppers Pizzeria & Piazza Bar owner Grady Verret since the opening of his third New York-style pizza eatery in West Houma. That’s not saying Peppers’ first two locations aren’t successful.


However, since the opening of the 9,000-square-foot Houma restaurant, Peppers has been able to accommodate more customers, as well as offer more variety with its indoor and outdoor seating for a casual, elegant or romantic dining experience.

“We are all about the correct lighting, mood and ambience,” he said. “Peppers is about the experience as a package. The family-fun atmosphere, food and service all mix together, creating a comfortable dining experience for our customers.”


Peppers caters to its customers needs and appetites with its adult and children’s menus, which feature a variety of pizzas and calzones, sandwiches, po-boys and pasta dishes.


“We always keep ‘to go’ boxes in stock,” Verret said, emphasizing that whether customers are dining in or taking orders home, the food is hot and includes generous portions.

“Being an independent eatery, I feel like our concept is different,” he added. ” We can distinguish ourselves by making hospitality a very big part of our operation. We want people to stay and have a good time.”


The chain started because Verret, who co-owns a nightclub in downtown Thibodaux, felt there was a growing need for a late-night eatery besides pancake houses or fast food restaurants.


Soon after the Thibodaux restaurant opened in 1998, Peppers Pizzeria offered full service for lunch and dinner.

The menu expanded in 2000, with the help of some special folks. The new menus were developed by a focus group made up of customers who frequented the establishment, Verret explained.


Using the Thibodaux site as a model, it was time for the businessman to move into Houma.


In fact, the current Corporate Drive Houma location was in the works long before there was talk of an East Houma Peppers.

Verret said there was a bigger demand for an eatery establishment in eastern Houma than the western side of the city at the time.


“The demand was there and we jumped on it. I don’t regret my decision of going to East Houma first because it paved the way for the West Houma branch by making area residents aware of what Peppers has to offer,” he said.

The Thibodaux site employs more than 30 staffers; East Houma has 25; and West Houma has 76. Verret said each Peppers branch has its own identity.

“The West Houma Peppers feels like Peppers but this location is unique because of the seating areas, separate take-out area and the banquet room for birthday, graduation and bridal celebrations,” said Nathan Turner, general manager of the West Houma establishment.

“That always hurt us in the Thibodaux location because we never had the capacity to accommodate the customers,” Verret said.

The Thibodaux and East Houma restaurants cannot seat more than 25 to 70 people. The West Houma Peppers can seat 100 to 125 people.

Peppers Pizzeria was established to be one of the biggest restaurants in Houma.

“Our entry into the Houma market was a big step and a challenging one to make sure that we took care of the needs of our guests,” he said. “The establishment was built to grow into, instead of out.”

Aside from continuing to increase its business, Verret doesn’t see Peppers expanding beyond Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes anytime soon. The business owner doesn’t want to outgrow his ability to service his customers.

“We can’t do anything for our customers if we lose ourselves,” he said. “Peppers has got to stay Peppers.”

However, if an opportunity to expand into a different area presents itself, Verret said he won’t disregard it, but he won’t be so quick to move on it either.

In addition to a variety of food, the West Houma establishment offers a mid-week comedy hour called the Comic Stop, where professional comics bring much needed laughter to the community, according to Verret.

“It’s one more facet in serving our customers and creating an environment where they can relax, dine and have a great time,” he said.

Peppers Pizzeria & Piazza Bar owner Grady Verret and general manager of the West Houma site Nathan Turner are excited about the restaurant’s newest addition on Corporate Drive. The site can seat 100 to 125 people, and has a mid-week Comic Stop, where professional comics bring much-needed laughter to the community. * Photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN