News Summary
City officials in Bossier City are advocating for the revitalization of the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets amidst numerous business closures. Mayor Tommy Chandler and other officials have expressed concern over the Boardwalk’s decreased foot traffic since its acquisition by Routh Properties LLC. Although new tenants, such as The Picklr, indicate some progress, the lack of a solid plan for the future remains a significant issue. City leaders aim to attract more retail and dining options by 2026 to restore the Boardwalk’s vibrancy.
Bossier City, La. — City officials in Bossier City are pushing for the revitalization of the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets following a significant number of business closures and the announcement of a new tenant. A recent Zoom meeting led by Mayor Tommy Chandler, alongside other officials, highlighted ongoing concerns about the status of the Boardwalk, which has experienced a decline in foot traffic and tenants since its purchase by Routh Properties LLC in August 2022 for $30.5 million.
During the meeting with the Austin-based owner of the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, Mayor Chandler expressed both the progress made in discussing their concerns and the issues that remain unresolved. Bossier City Councilman Brian Hammons voiced his dissatisfaction with the meeting’s outcomes, expressing a lack of confidence in the owner’s future tenant agreements and plans for the property.
In light of the challenges, Bossier City has set an ambitious target for new retail establishments and restaurants to open by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Recent efforts have started with The Picklr, a new tenant that has signed a lease for the former Nike store space. This establishment will include 10 pickleball courts and a pro shop, spanning 40,000 square feet, and represents an effort to diversify the offerings available at the Boardwalk.
The Picklr is a well-known franchise, boasting locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Its lease at the Boardwalk will continue until 2035, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the area. The anticipated opening date for The Picklr in Shreveport, however, remains to be determined, leaving residents questioning the timeline for revitalization.
Concerns have arisen regarding the lack of a contingency plan should new tenants fail to arrive as planned. City officials are aware of the declining retail landscape at the Boardwalk, where only two restaurants—Saltgrass Steak House and Sushiko Sushi & Grill—currently remain operational. The closures of Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar, Hooters, and the original Joe’s Crab Shack on June 1, 2025, have heightened these concerns, following earlier losses including IHOP and the Nike Factory Outlet Store.
Bossier City Councilman-at-Large Chris Smith has indicated plans to diversify the types of retail stores and enhance the food options available, hoping to attract a wider range of visitors. City officials are optimistic about the prospects of retaining national brokerage firms to assist with leasing opportunities and are open to offering aggressive commission structures to entice potential tenants.
Community members and local officials are closely monitoring Routh Properties’ management decisions regarding the Boardwalk, feeling a sense of urgency as they hope for positive changes. With the decline in business evident, the push for revitalization has become crucial for both the image and the economy of Bossier City as they work toward restoring the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets as a vibrant destination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Closure of Businesses Signals Decline at Louisiana Boardwalk
Joe’s Crab Shack Closes Its Louisiana Location
Shreveport-Bossier Hosts the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Championships
Closure of Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar in Bossier City
Bossier City Hooters Closes After 20 Years
Bossier City Hooters Closes After 20 Years of Service
Bossier City Bids Farewell to Hooters Boardwalk
Shreveport Job Fair Attracts Educators and Job Seekers
Shreveport-Bossier Hosts Job Fairs for Local Opportunities
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Boardwalk
- KSLA News
- Google Search: Bossier City Boardwalk revitalization
- KTBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bossier City
- Shreveport Times
- Google News: Louisiana Boardwalk
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.
