Zeeland Street: Feel-Good Food and Then Some!
The Advocate
When Stephanie Phares was in the beginning of her cooking life, she may never have dreamt of the impact her future restaurant would have on a community.
Zeeland Street began as a marketplace 32 years ago, where consumers would by wine or cheese, or indulge in some of its homemade foods. It transitioned into more of restaurant setting in its second year. The Phares family have been the owners and operators for all 32 years, and deserve all the credit for building Zeeland Street into what it is today.
Phares learned most of her cooking skills from her grandmother, Rachel Drain, who Phares became the apprentice of at age 12. She first learned how to measure ingredients and handle produce. She later developed her knife skills, which aided her in learning more intricate cooking methods.
Zeeland Street does serve “feel good” foods such as their “Pecan Smoked Brisket” and “Mama’s Pot Roast,” but they have an equal number of delicious, healthy alternatives on their menu. They offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options as well. Phares believes in serving real food that is healthy for you. Zeeland Street avoids pre-prepared items with additives or preservatives. It operates under the premise that when you put wholesome food in your body, you have more energy throughout the day and feel satisfied.
2031 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-387-4546
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has halted the flourishing progress of Zeeland Street. However, Phares has always embraced challenges, and alters her menu in order to find the balance between delicious, varied options, and not over-preparing or wasting food. Additionally, Zeeland Street has been cautious in their food spending in order to remain open and keep serving consistently.
An unexpected challenge that Zeeland Street faced is the struggle of finding additional staff to grow their team. Despite record high unemployment rates and using all available resources, including a contact at the LAWFC, entry level positions have been difficult to fill. Zeeland Street does not have an answer to explain this struggle, but is committed to overcoming it in hopes of achieving its goal of returning to its pre-pandemic serving volumes.
Guests are returning, but numbers are still far from where they were before COVID-19 hit. Zeeland Street is thankful for their loyal guest base, and also embrace first-time guests and enhance their experience to expand Zeeland Street’s base. Zeeland Street is particularly thankful for The Hundred Oaks neighborhoods and surrounding community, as they have shown them endless support not only during the pandemic, but also throughout Zeeland Street’s entire existence.
For Zeeland Street’s owners, the freedom and ability to help others when the opportunity arises is the best part about owning a business. Phares particularly loves to offer to feed the family of one of their guests when they suffer a loss or another hardship.
“It’s very rewarding to contribute to them and their family’s comfort during a difficult time,” Phares said.
