Willie Mendez has been growing his Coastal Barbecue catering company in Greater New Orleans over the past couple of years, and he’s about to take a major step forward by establishing a brick-and-mortar location for the company, along with a brand-new Latin food concept called Sabor Del Parque. Both concepts are set to open this November at the new food pavilion in Lafreniere Park in Metairie.
Medez recently told What Now New Orleans that his winning pitch for getting Coastal Barbecue into The Pointe at Lafreniere Park pavilion was simply saying the obvious out loud.
“You can’t have a park without barbecue,” he stated. “I mean that’s a staple: When people go to a park, they eat barbecue.”
The menu at Coastal Barbecue will feature two different types of ribs, brisket, pulled pork sliders, pulled pork nachos, smoked chicken, and house-made sausage, all served with house-made barbecue sauce.
“All of the things that have gotten my name out there as a caterer, we’re gonna have at the park,” Mendez said.
In addition to the barbecue spot, Mendez will also be opening a Latin American food vendor at the pavilion called Sabor Del Parque. During the bidding process, Mendez became aware that park officials were looking for a Mexican concept. When one of the previously selected vendors backed out, Mendez and partner John Miquet III pitched the winning concept for Sabor Del Parque. Mendez said the restaurant will highlight authentic Mexican food and drinks, including margaritas. He added that some dishes will be from other parts of Latin America as well.
“It may even have more of a Central American flair to cater to the majority of the people that visit the park, especially for the soccer programs,” Mendez said, referring to the Latino populations in and around Metairie.
