What happens when a family's love for food spans three generations and over 60 years? Shelly Bond, second-generation owner of the iconic Mel's Diner, takes us on a heartwarming journey through Lafayette's restaurant history that begins long before the diner's famous neon lights first illuminated Johnson Street.
The story begins in 1962 when Shelly's father opened a Pit Grill at the location that would eventually become Mel's. After transitions to Kettle Restaurants and finally to Mel's Diner in 1992, the restaurant fulfilled her father's promise to "put her mother's name in lights." Shelly shares delightful memories of growing up in the restaurant business, including how her father would bring arcade games home during the early video game era, making their house the most popular spot for neighborhood kids.
From pancake-eating photo shoots as a child (the infamous "pancake kid" poster still hangs in the restaurant) to running the grill after college, Shelly's story reveals how deeply the restaurant business runs in her blood. After partnering with her husband Keith to open the Broussard location, they continued building on her parents' legacy of personal service and consistent, homemade food. Everything from the pancake batter to the hamburger patties is made from scratch, helping earn Mel's a spot among the top 10% of restaurants nationwide on TripAdvisor.
Even a devastating fire during COVID couldn't keep this Lafayette institution down. After a two-year rebuilding process, the community's overwhelming response upon reopening demonstrated just how much Mel's means to Lafayette. Now with Shelly's son Carson taking over as General Manager, the restaurant truly spans three generations of family ownership.
Ready for a taste of nostalgia with a side of community? Visit Mel's Diner, where they're serving up delicious food and warm memories 24/7, 364 days a year. Whether you're craving their famous gumbo after a Mardi Gras ball or their perfect pancakes for breakfast, this Lafayette institution continues to welcome everyone like family.
The podcast was made possible through partnerships with Logic Refrigeration HVAC, Ounce of Hope, Cajun Table, Vermilionville, Soul Haus Kitchen, Chris Logan Media, and Sunday Soda Fountain – proving that when a community rallies around celebrating local food culture, amazing things happen. Subscribe now to join this delicious adventure and become part of the movement that's transforming Lafayette's food scene one bite at a time!
learn more: foodiesoflafayette.com
