When you own a poultry business, it just makes sense to open a chicken restaurant.
That’s the story behind Mama’s Fried Chicken, the Opelousas restaurant that has been slinging chicken, biscuits and sides since 1977. Founded by A.C. Bellard of Bellard’s Poultry, the business still operates today on a simple concept: start with a good product, treat it well, and watch the lines form out the door.
Bellard’s grandson, Ryan LaGrange, has been busy managing those lines alongside siblings Kristin and Jacob Cooley for the past week at Mama’s third location, open now at 101 E. Admiral Doyle Dr., New Iberia. Their two Opelousas locations will remain open, and Ryan LaGrange said that the reception from the New Iberia community has been “better than we ever imagined.”
“I think it’s been the most warm welcome we’ve ever had,” he said. “We have many longtime employees that are helping us get going and get off the ground in the right way, while maintaining the same culture where everybody’s not just a number, but they’re part of our team, and like family.”…