Richwood Business Questions Closure

A Black businessman in Richwood believes he is being unfairly targeted, as his business has been repeatedly shut down by town officials. Breaux's Kitchen and Cocktails was recently closed due to alleged water issues. When the owner attempted to resolve these issues, he was initially told that Code Enforcement was “not available,” only to be informed later that the water issues had “been resolved.” However, by then, it was too late for him to open during a busy weekend, resulting in a significant loss of revenue.

After reopening, the business was shut down once more when Richwood officials accused the owner of “lying” about his opening date on his occupational license. Richwood claimed the business opened in December 2023, when the license was issued, but the owner asserts it actually opened in April 2024.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the owner met with Chillon Johnson from Code Enforcement, Town Clerk Bernita Woods, and Mayor Gerald Brown to discuss the requirements he must meet to reopen. According to the owner, Richwood officials stipulated that he must provide a certified security detail for his business, though it is classified as a restaurant, and employ a “safe serve” certified cook, which is more typical for establishments with chefs. Bars and nightclubs are required to have security, but restaurants typically are not unless chosen by the owner. Additionally, the owner noted that, to his knowledge, bars do not usually require safe-serve certified cooks.

Upon consulting the Ouachita Parish Tax Collector’s Office, he was informed that, as long as he had no tax issues with them, the matter was strictly between him and Richwood. The owner suspects that Richwood “has issues” with businesses along the stretch from Winnsboro Rd. to Hadley St., where a nightclub and his business are located near a bingo hall. These businesses are reportedly required to close by a specific time, while it is alleged that the bingo hall is permitted to stay open longer hours, even with alcohol allegedly consumed on or around the premises.

Now facing additional obstacles to reopen, the owner continues to lose revenue, and his 12 employees are unable to work, while Richwood may be missing out on valuable tax revenue.