News Summary
Joe’s Crab Shack at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets has closed after two decades of service to the Shreveport/Bossier community. This marks the end of the only Louisiana location, leaving Saltgrass Steak House as the sole remaining Landry’s Inc. restaurant at the Boardwalk. The closure raises concerns about the viability of the Boardwalk as a dining and entertainment destination, especially following other recent closures. Joe’s Crab Shack has expressed gratitude to the community for their support and is assisting displaced employees in finding new opportunities.
Bossier City, La. – Joe’s Crab Shack, a staple at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, has officially closed its doors as of June 2, 2025. This closure marks the end of the only Joe’s Crab Shack location in Louisiana, following two decades of service to the Shreveport/Bossier community.
A sign placed on the entrance of the restaurant confirmed the closure, stating simply, “This location has closed.” Joe’s Crab Shack was one of the remaining three restaurants operating at the expansive 560,000-square-foot Boardwalk Outlets, which has seen a decline in its dining options over the past year.
The decision to close Joe’s Crab Shack leaves Saltgrass Steak House as the only remaining Landry’s Inc. restaurant at the Boardwalk. In addition to the closure of Joe’s, Hooter’s, which had also been located at the Boardwalk, closed its doors in April 2025. After Joe’s closure, only two restaurants remain operational at the Boardwalk: Saltgrass and Sushiko Sushi and Grill.
The closure of Joe’s Crab Shack raises questions about the overall viability of the Boardwalk as a dining and entertainment destination, particularly following the earlier closure of other establishments like Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar, which shut down on May 31, 2025. The owner of Sweet Caroline’s cited security concerns as a factor contributing to its closure, signaling potential challenges for remaining businesses.
Terry Turney, the Chief Operating Officer of Joe’s Crab Shack, acknowledged the impact of the closure on the restaurant’s staff. The company is reportedly working to assist displaced employees in finding new opportunities within other restaurants, an effort that underscores the commitment to supporting its team during this transition.
The Louisiana Boardwalk itself has a rich history, originally developed by John Good and opening with over 70 retail stores and restaurants. However, in recent years, the Boardwalk has faced challenges in maintaining occupancy and attracting new businesses. In 2022, the property was sold to Routh Group for $30.5 million, with reports indicating that it was only 67% occupied at that time. The current website for the Boardwalk lists 21 shopping locations, including Regal Entertainment Group cinemas, highlighting the mix of retail and entertainment available to visitors.
As the Boardwalk undergoes these changes, observers are hopeful for its future as a vibrant entertainment complex. However, the recent pattern of closures has sparked concerns regarding its sustainability as a dining and shopping hub in the region.
Joe’s Crab Shack expressed gratitude to the community for their ongoing support over the years and encouraged customers to visit a nearby sister location for their dining needs. The legacy left by Joe’s Crab Shack at the Louisiana Boardwalk reflects both the challenges faced by the area and the lasting impact of long-standing businesses on local communities.
With just two dining establishments remaining, the future of the Louisiana Boardwalk hangs in the balance as stakeholders look for solutions to revitalize the complex and draw in more visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Joe’s Crab Shack Closes
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Boardwalk
- K945: Joe’s Crab Shack Bossier Closure
- Google Search: Joe’s Crab Shack Closure
- Bossier Now: Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Boardwalk
- K945: New Restaurant Stacked & Tossed Opening Soon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- K945: Hooters Bossier Boardwalk Closed
- Google News: Restaurant Closures Bossier City
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
