Magnolia Pantry, a new joint-effort business is coming soon to the historic Sans Souci building at 219 E Vermilion Street in Downtown Lafayette.
Back in October 2023, Korey Champagne and Alexis Badon of Magnolia Pantry entered One Acadiana’s Small Business Challenge where 33 business ideas were submitted for a chance to win $100,000 and a lease on the space in downtown. From that group, 20 contestants advanced to Round 2, and then down to just 7 finalists where Magnolia Pantry was decided on as the winner.
“We’ve been both been in business for eight years. This is something that we really saw fall together really well. I wanted to open up a place but I only have drinks and I really needed the right food and he had the perfect food and no drinks,” said Badon.
Photo shared on social by Magonlia Pantry owners.
Merging two existing local brands — Acadian Slice Pies, a local handmade sweet and savory pie business, and Magnolia Moon, a small-batch organic herbal tea business — to form Magnolia Pantry. This new venture will offer an array of products, including sweet and savory pies, lavender lemonades, organic cotton candy, snow cones, house-made ice cream, and unique coffees, alongside a full cocktail menu. The shared vision of the two owners emphasizes contributing to the vibrancy of downtown. They envision an all-day cafe experience, engaging with events such as Festival International and downtown art walks.
The Historic Sans Souci building
“We started to see some of our same customers at events and markets, kind of just buying our products together. That’s where we kind of had the idea of merging these things. And then when the business challenge presented itself, it was a perfect opportunity for us to sync our products together and make a new brand,” said Champagne. “We’re really looking forward to getting out there and seeing what we can do in this building and being a part of this community.”
Tentatively, Magonlia Pantry plans to be open by the end of this year.
You can follow Magnolia Pantry at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556673598683&mibextid=LQQJ4d.
At a press conference held at Wild Child Wines in Downtown Lafayette, many local leaders announce the winners and the plans for the space. Some of their statements are mentioned below.
Korey Champagne and Alexis Badon of Magnolia Pantry
Kevin Blanchard, CEO of Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (DDA/DLU), remarked, “This building has had so many lives over the years and been home to many beloved local businesses — and Magnolia Pantry is next. But today isn’t only a celebration of a new chapter for the building. With Parc Sans Souci, the new playground, Ashby Crossing, the Children’s Museum, and all the great locally owned restaurants and retailers, Vermilion Street is becoming one of Downtown Lafayette’s most vibrant locations.”
“One Acadiana remains committed to leading initiatives like the Small Business Challenge,” Troy Wayman, CEO of One Acadiana stated, “which underscore our dedication to fostering dynamic and resilient urban spaces, ensuring that Acadiana’s regional core thrives as a hub of innovation, culture, and economic activity.”
Destin Ortego, Executive Director of Opportunity Machine, emphasized, “Even though only one company will occupy the Sans Souci premises, the challenge has illuminated the potential for multiple ventures ready to be launched, promising to contribute immensely to our downtown’s economic and cultural richness.”
“Magnolia Pantry’s presence will contribute to the energetic entrepreneurial ecosystem that thrives in Downtown Lafayette,” said Mandi D. Mitchell, President and CEO, Lafayette Economic Development Authority.
