News Summary
Recent closures at the Louisiana Boardwalk, including the abrupt shutdown of Joe’s Crab Shack and Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar, mark a concerning trend. These shutdowns highlight ongoing challenges in attracting foot traffic and maintaining consumer interest. With only a few dining options left, community concerns about safety and atmosphere threaten the area’s appeal. The future of the Boardwalk remains uncertain as businesses continue to leave, prompting calls for a reinvention of the space to draw visitors back.
Bossier City, Louisiana – The Louisiana Boardwalk has recently witnessed the closure of two notable businesses, signaling a troubling trend in foot traffic and consumer interest. Sweet Caroline’s Dueling Piano Bar shut its doors on May 31, 2025, after just 17 months in operation, and Joe’s Crab Shack, a long-standing establishment, abruptly closed on June 1, 2025, after over two decades in business. These closures reflect a larger pattern of declining foot traffic, which has seen numerous retailers and dining establishments leave the area in recent years.
A sign posted on the door of Joe’s Crab Shack announced the immediate closure, leaving many patrons surprised and disappointed. This restaurant was the only remaining Joe’s Crab Shack location in the state of Louisiana and was one of only three dining options still available at the Boardwalk. Following closely behind, Hooters also closed its restaurant at the Boardwalk in April 2025.
The closures come amidst a growing list of businesses that have vacated the Louisiana Boardwalk, which has seen the departures of other notable franchises such as IHOP and the Nike Factory Outlet Store in the past two years. With the loss of these establishments, the Boardwalk now faces a significant reduction in its dining and retail offerings. Currently, only Saltgrass Steak House and Sushiko Sushi and Grill remain as dining options within the Boardwalk following the departures.
Joe’s Crab Shack was part of a broader picture of restaurant closures that suggests challenges in maintaining clientele and business viability. The parent company, Landry’s, Inc., which also operates Saltgrass Steak House, confirmed it is seeking new employment opportunities for the staff affected by this closure. However, uncertainties remain regarding the future of Saltgrass once its lease expires.
Consumers have expressed increasing concerns about the security of the Louisiana Boardwalk, particularly in evening hours, which could contribute to the decline in foot traffic and sales. DJ Roman, the owner of Sweet Caroline’s, noted that security issues have affected the overall atmosphere of the Boardwalk and may deter potential customers from visiting.
The Louisiana Boardwalk was originally developed over 20 years ago, founded by John Good and featuring more than 70 retail and dining establishments at its peak. It was sold to the Routh Group in 2022 for $30.5 million, at which time it was reported to be only 67% occupied. Routh Group, along with its partner, Commercial Retail Group, has a portfolio that includes over 100 shopping centers and properties across multiple states, and they are now in charge of managing the Boardwalk.
Despite the losses, the Louisiana Boardwalk website lists 21 shopping locations, which include the Regal Entertainment Group cinemas. However, the combination of fewer options for dining and shopping could further impact consumer visits. DJ Roman has suggested that there may be potential for the Boardwalk to reimagine itself, perhaps transforming into an entertainment complex that could integrate a mix of retail and dining experiences to draw people back to the area.
As the situation at the Louisiana Boardwalk continues to evolve, the community and business owners alike will need to address the challenges of maintaining foot traffic and the overall appeal of this once-bustling commercial hub.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Boardwalk
- KTBS
- Google Search: Louisiana Boardwalk business closures
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Boardwalk closure
- KSLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bossier City
- Shreveport Times
- Google News: Bossier City Hooters closure
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.
