Maddie Scott

It was 30 years ago when French Market Bistro in Baton Rouge first opened its doors.

of 2 Amelia Alemán, a Baton Rouge native, said she wanted “a taste of the Michelin life” after finishing pastry school in France.

of 2 Links of boudin are served during the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Parc Hardy in Breaux Bridge.

On May 26, the restaurant appeared nearly vacant. The front room was cleared out of furniture, and the patio table and chairs were grouped in a corner.

Andrea “Sugar Mama” Rankins, “Big” John Rankins, Angel Smith, and John Rankins, left to right, pictured at Fat Elbows food truck on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Sammy's Grill on Highland Road in Baton Rouge closed in June. Willie Chapman, owner of Willie's Restaurant, is opening a brand new restaurant inside of the 8,300-square-foot space.

of 3 An employee prepares a tray of fried chicken wings at Blue Store Chicken on Staring Lane.

Volunteers stock the pair of new fridges at The Red Shoes on June 4, 2026.

Sugar Me Sweet Cakes & Confections, 8565 Rome Dr., Baton Rouge, will have its last day of operations on July 25, 2026.

of 4 Mayor Sid Edwards, second from left, presented the Grace “Mama” Marino lifetime achievement award to the late Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., founder of Ruffino's Restaurant on June 23, 20206.