Downtown Jeaux
When the sun arises, morning lovers (and morning criticizers) instantly think of coffee. Whether it is instant coffee packets, drip-drops from a pot, or a lid snap of a brewing machine; mornings are connected to coffee.
When you think of Downtown Houma, the thought of Downtown Jeaux instantly “brews” along with their famous beignets, breakfast and lunch specialties.
Tommy Guarisco, owner of Downtown Jeaux, has been operating the coffee café since 2016. It was not until a year later it transitioned into a full-service café (offering food along with coffee, espresso, and smoothies) with the addition of “sweet cream” extras.
Twenty years ago, Tommy climbed stairs with mindful motivation to obtain the historical 1908 building. The upstairs was once a dwelling place for lawyers (law clerks). Eventually, the past propped itself along the walls. Research law books became antique remnants along with original wood flooring.
“This building was obtained after I owned the Downtown Balcony Pub. They had a “for sale” sign on this building. When I was getting my previous business going, I had no room for storage. So, I went up the stairs, and there were two older men in their eighties (lawyers). I asked them if I could rent and they told me, ‘Get out of here. Do you see the “for sale” sign? Come back with some money,’” Tommy said with humor.
“So, I went right downstairs and right back up and started negotiating,” he added.
Subsequent intentions removed tangible bricks to open the Community coffee hub. Tommy’s deep roots within the downtown area made him avidly aware for needed growth. His love for the building and for the community also made him attentive to the public’s need and want for a coffee shop.
“When I started developing this space, I found so many nice little hidden treasures like the transom windows. I found backdoors hiding behind brick walls and windows bricked in,” Tommy stated
“It wasn’t until Haydel’s Drug Store moved out that I thought about establishing a coffee shop because we haven’t had one in three to four years. So, I built it into a coffee shop. I was just going to be the owner of the building, but I fell in love with the space and became the owner of the coffee shop,” he added.
The play on the word “joe” (Jeaux) froths with Cajun personality in the downtown community. Hospitality along with Community coffee and beignets characterizes the antique building. Therefore, families and café goers of all ages frequent Downtown Jeaux’s establishment. They enrich the atmosphere like enriching creamer poured into coffee.
“The thing that brought the whole business together is one word: beignets. It brought the families in by the bunches. It solidified us,” Tommy stated.
“We have a wide range of customer range, from newborn up to eighties and nineties. We serve a lot of families,” he added.
Downtown Jeaux offers a variety of areas for customers to leisurely enjoy coffee or a club panini. The covered courtyard area sways with botanical and cozy ambience. During the winter, the outdoor fireplace is lit daily, welcoming customers to cozy up with a hot chocolate. Adjacent to the café is the Rotary Centennial Plaza that beats to a modern city beat. Therefore, an ordered iced or hot “Jeaux” comes with a choice of “syrupy” vibe. Ordered coffee or food comes with an experience.
“The ultimate goal is for customers to have a good experience. Whether it’s coffee or food, I want customers to have a great experience here. I want them to experience good service, above average food, and consistency,” Tommy said.
Tommy is passionate about the community and has originated a coffee shop that caters to customer’s desires. Therefore, the café is nuanced in its experiences, services, menu, and ideals. Downtown Jeaux is marbled with a mixed market just like the variable swirls of Blue Bell ice cream flavors.
“We can provide that extra service. It helps round out the offering of services. We’re the most complete coffee shop you’ll visit,” Tommy stated.
“We listen well to our customers to fit their needs for a social event. We’re very proud of the wide variety of the things we do,” he added.
Surprising services that Downtown Jeaux provides are diverse like their Fro-jeaux flavors. The “Jury Room”, which is a present reminder of the judicial past and present (the room is still utilized by active jury) is rentable for parties or meetings. The coffee shop also caters to booked parties. The parties can be held in the “Jury Room” or on the all-weather courtyard, which can accommodate fifty people or more. The Rotary Centennial Plaza allows for more expansive parties such as the occasional rehearsal dinner or even a charming coffee shop backdrop wedding.
“We don’t have the fancy crepes here, but we get it done,” Tommy said with a smile.
With the variations of the customer base and Downtown Houma’s growing activity, Downtown Jeaux obtains a liquor license and offers mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, daiquiris and beer (The view is to drink responsibly and maintain an upright manner).
Downtown Jeaux is a part of the growing heart of Downtown Houma. The installation of the Rotary Centennial Plaza has created more of a unified community atmosphere that includes the café. Live music, seasonal festivities, and art festivals progress foot traffic over brick pavers and through the doors of Downtown Jeaux and beyond the plaza.
“Things are moving Downtown. There are three or four things ready to be announced. The growth is on. We are looking for more boutiques, more shopping, and just get back to the spirit of the old days,” Tommy stated.
“The quality of life for Houma is right there in reach and it’s getting better and better,” he added.
The future of Downtown Jeaux “brews” with boldness and ongoing development, such as expanding and dropping a pinch of New Orleans style into new breakfast foods. The future swirly steams with bold quality within the café and beyond its historical walls into the heart of Downtown Houma.
Gazing out the café’s original 1908 window, Tommy sees pride peeking back into his establishment.
“We hope to continue to build our customer base through all this. I just want to be a part of the growth, excitement, and expansion of downtown…be a part of something that people are proud of. Your heart and soul are downtown,” Tommy ended.
To see a complete menu, hours of operation, and times for breakfast and lunch, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/DowntownJeaux
If you want to start a business in Downtown Houma and would like to be a part of the growing heart like Downtown Jeaux, listed below are organizations that can help with grants and guidance in your venture:
South Central Planning and Development Commission
Terrebonne Economic Development Authority
Houma Downtown Development corporation
https://www.louisianamainstreet.org/houma-downtown-development-corporation
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