Sustaining Shreveport-Bossier City
This isn’t the same town it used to be.
A decade ago, downtown Shreveport lacked venues like the Robinson Film Center and Cohab. There was no Louisiana Boardwalk on Bossier City’s riverfront, no Texas Avenue Community Association’s Makers Fair. No DigiFest. No Red River Clean Up. No Louisiana Film Prize. The movers and shakers of our cities have worked tirelessly to liven up and inspire our community, but how do we sustain that growth? The answer seems fairly simple: Encourage it with dollars, time and interest. When the old pieces of the Shreveport- Bossier City game board can no longer make the moves that built this community, we’ll continue looking to young, local professionals — like Andrew Crawford of Rhino Coffee — to reinvigorate a new generation hungry to blossom in their hometown communities.
“We are trying to make [Shreveport] unique by providing something different,” Crawford said. “And we depend on people to spread the word. We don’t have a huge advertising budget because we are not a franchise, so we rely on word of mouth to increase business.”
Keeping them here — and keeping them coming — means picking your favorites and spreading the word and trying your friends’ favorites, too. That keeps them working, you happy and the community growing. Quality of life matters in today’s business world, and new companies have their eyes on towns with happy, engaged employees.
Those of you that plan on making your own “staycation” this summer might want to add some of these local stops to your itinerary: Food/Dining:
Rhino Coffee: Located at 721 Southfield Road in Shreveport, Rhino Coffee is not even a year old. The coffee shop also features breakfast and lunch items, which are all homemade. Plus, Rhino Coffee doubles as a music venue, featuring local talent once a month. Follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ RhinoCofee, and visit them 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Marilynn’s Place: In June 2011, Chef Robert “Boz” Baucum opened the doors to this Cajun and Creole eatery located at 4041 Fern Ave.
Stop by between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch on Sundays for authentic Louisiana cuisine.
Stir Tapas: Local businessman Chase Boytim revamped the former Columbia Café last summer to create the first tapas and speciality cocktail lounge in town. With outdoor seating and a variety of menu items, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, this unique restaurant fits well with the Highland locale. The restaurant is nestled between Highland and South Highland at 3030 Creswell Ave. Hours vary, and the spot is closed on Mondays; call 425-3862 before heading that way. Shops:
Olive St. Thrift: The Highland neighborhood continues to grow with unique businesses, including the addition of this business at 444 Olive St. The shop is always collecting and selling new inventory and has everything from children’s clothes, to household items, to furniture. Daily specials are posted on the shop’s Facebook page. Learn more at olivestreethrift. com. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday.
Favorite Sisters Boutique: This family owned shop, located at 5747 Youree Drive, strives to keep every item on its racks under $50. Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Venues:
Voodoo Café: An Art Bar: A venue that reopened its doors in January of this year, Voodoo Café features live music (local, regional or national) every Friday and Saturday night. The second floor is adorned with local art, including live installations and the New Orleans-esque decor adds to this spot’s thriving ambiance. Follow and/or friend them on Facebook for the full list of events.
Karen Wissing is the marketing manager at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Part of Sci-Port’s strategic plan is to address issues of science in society, including the environment and sustainability. Email your questions, comments or suggestions to [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sciport.
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