Built in the mid-19th century, Lafayette’s historic Sans Souci building has been many things over the years, and after a much-needed renovation in 2023, the building is set to become home to a café called Magnolia Pantry.
Located at 219 E Vermilion St., the café will be a joint venture for two existing Lafayette companies: the dessert company Acadian Slice Pies and the herbal tea company Magnolia Moon. The Magnolia Pantry concept was chosen from 33 business ideas that were submitted to the One Acadiana Small Business Challenge. In addition to winning a lease in the historic building, business owners Korey Champagne of Acadian Slice Pies and Alexis Badon of Magnolia Moon also won $100,000 to fund their concept. The café will reportedly feature sweet and savory pies, house-made ice cream, unique coffees, lavender lemonade, and a full cocktail menu. Owners said they hope to open the café by the end of the year.
While the contest only produced one winning business, officials who were involved noted the enthusiasm from other aspiring business owners and said the stretch of Vermilion Street where the Sans Souci building is located is becoming one of the more vibrant areas in downtown Lafayette. Officials also expressed hope that one of the other concepts would find a home in downtown Lafayette.
