News Summary
The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City faces significant business closures, prompting Mayor Tommy Chandler to initiate revitalization efforts. With notable establishments shuttering, local leaders aim to attract new businesses while maintaining the existing ones. Communication struggles with the Boardwalk’s new owner add to the challenges as the community hopes for projects that could rejuvenate the area and restore its vibrancy. A new entertainment venue has recently opened, providing fresh activities for residents and visitors alike as city officials remain optimistic about the Boardwalk’s future.
Bossier City, Louisiana: Business Closures at Louisiana Boardwalk Prompt Revitalization Efforts
The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City has experienced a wave of business closures, raising significant concerns about the shopping and entertainment destination’s ongoing viability. With prominent establishments like Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar and Joe’s Crab Shack recently shutting their doors, local leaders are intensifying efforts to revitalize the area.
Bossier City’s Mayor Tommy Chandler is actively pursuing initiatives to boost business in the Boardwalk area during his second term. Mayor Chandler has been meeting with owners and managers of the Boardwalk to discuss strategies aimed at attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones. He has underscored the critical role that local businesses play as the backbone of the economy and expressed his dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment.
The recent closures at the Boardwalk have led to a decline in the variety of dining options, with restaurants like IHOP, Hooters, and the Nike Factory Outlet also ceasing operations in the past two years. Currently, only Sushiko Sushi and Grill and Saltgrass Steakhouse remain open. However, the future of Saltgrass Steakhouse is uncertain, as it is owned by the same parent company as Joe’s Crab Shack, which recently closed.
The situation is increasingly concerning for Bossier City officials, particularly given that the Louisiana Boardwalk was sold to Routh Properties LLC for $30.5 million in August 2022. There have been challenges in establishing communication with the new owner, Todd Routh, as city officials have struggled to arrange meetings despite several attempts. Mayor Chandler and his team are eager to understand Routh’s plans for the Boardwalk and how they can address the growing number of vacant storefronts.
The city does not hold ownership of the Boardwalk but has previously invested substantially in the infrastructure associated with its construction, demonstrating their commitment to its success. As vacancies continue to rise, there is a sense of urgency among city officials regarding revitalization efforts to attract new businesses and restore the Boardwalk’s once-thriving atmosphere.
In an effort to bring new life to the area, a new entertainment venue called Chasing Aces has recently opened within the Boardwalk vicinity. The venue offers 30 golf swing bays, an 18-hole putting course, and baseball batting cages, contributing to the entertainment options available in the area. Mayor Chandler has highlighted the surrounding area’s thriving business environment, which includes successful establishments and vibrant events in the Eastbank District.
Future opportunities for the Boardwalk may exist, with Mayor Chandler hinting at potential projects on the horizon that could rejuvenate the location. Despite the challenges faced by local businesses, Chandler maintains a positive outlook regarding the property’s potential and expresses optimism about the future developments that could enhance the Boardwalk.
As the community watches closely, the revitalization of the Louisiana Boardwalk remains a key focus for local officials, business owners, and residents alike, all hoping for a resurgence of activity in this important local landmark.
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Joe’s Crab Shack Closes Permanently at Louisiana Boardwalk
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Closure of Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar in Bossier City
Additional Resources
- KSLA: What’s Next for the Louisiana Boardwalk
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Bossier City Louisiana Boardwalk
- KTBS: Two More Businesses Close at Louisiana Boardwalk
- KSLA: Another Business at Louisiana Boardwalk Closing Down
- Google Search: Louisiana Boardwalk Revitalization
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.
