On May 13, a catastrophic tornado hit Pat’s, a famous pillar of Cajun cuisine in Henderson, leaving behind immeasurable damage. But Pat’s held on thanks to the efforts and generosity of an entire community, determined to get the restaurant back on its feet. This 75-year-old staple is full of stories big and small, and teaches us a lot about life in Henderson, the small fishing village along I-10 between Lafayette and the Atchafalaya River.

It took more than two months to get this legendary restaurant back on its feet, a real economic engine of the village of Henderson, but finally Pat’s reopened its doors on July 22nd, and of course, it was a party: its famous dance hall hosted the band Tet Dur and everyone who was present had a great time. It was hard to believe that not long before, Pat’s had no roof over his head and the ornamental lighthouse that greeted the fishermen of Bayou Amy was gone. But as Jude Huval, co-owner and head chef of the restaurant says, it was unthinkable for the Huval family to close down. “We’ve been serving fresh seafood for 75 years, we’re a staple in the community. People stop off the interstate every day to come here. We’re glad to be back open. We got different families that work here and depend on this for financial [support].”

Founded in 1948 by Pat Huval and his then-wife, Agnes “Vieille” Huval, Pat’s history is closely linked to that of Henderson. This fishing village developed in the twentieth century with the arrival of Louisianans fleeing the Atchafalaya basin, flooded after the flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927, and the construction of new banks. The I-10 freeway reinvigorated the region in the 1960s with the influx of tourists, and generates additional income from the crawfish trade. It was during this period that Pat Huval felt the need for the establishment of a municipal administration and led the charge; in 1971, he was elected as the first mayor of Henderson, a position he held for almost 22 years. Pat died in 2018, and Vieille, two years later; today, Pat’s is operated on by a new generation of the Huval family.

For locals, Pat’s has always been much more than a restaurant. Every weekend, its ball room is the gathering place for an entire generation that grew up dancing to local music; The place holds a special place in the hearts of many who have celebrated significant events in their lives there. “Guests have been visiting Pat’s with their families for generations,” says Laci Laperouse, executive director of the St. Martin’s Parish Tourist Board. “It’s been a venue for so many weddings, it holds so many memories, I don’t know that people would let it close. People have gone there for years with their family for generations.”

Pat’s is one of the only establishments that has survived the years. Laperouse recalls the important role it plays in the region’s economy, like the many regulars and tourists who made the trip for the reopening. “It’s family-owned, it’s been here for years. It’s made an impact on not just Henderson, but on our whole area.”

The restaurant is an example of the representation, protection and sharing of Louisiana culture, a true spokesperson for a culture in danger. “When you go to places like Pat’s, most of the people that work there from the older generation still speak it. French-speaking tourists feel comfortable. That’s an advantage we have as St. Martin Parish.” For Jody Meche, a Henderson city counselor and commercial crayfish fisherman, this moment illustrates the socio-economic impact Pat’s has on the village and the surrounding area. “It is an unbelievable tax base for the Town of Henderson and St. Martin Parish.” For him, this is made possible thanks to the tenacity of the residents. “The tornado was one of the hardest hit weather occurrences that Henderson has seen. Numerous residents have lost their homes. I’m very proud of the people of Henderson, the administration, and our volunteers.” Reflecting on the cultural aspect, Meche adds, “we want to be able to show our Cajun culture and our way of life, and let people know we’re open for business.”