The Crawfish Barn Fire

Words. There are many, and yet it is so hard to find the right ones to adequately describe the feelings many of us are experiencing right now.

The Crawfish Barn in Vidrine,Louisiana burned to the ground in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 25th,2025.

Kelli Jo Soileau became a restaurateur at the age of 21.

When she opened for business seventeen years ago, people came to eat at her tables… with UMBRELLAS. The roof needed to be replaced, but the rain wasn’t gonna stop ‘em from getting full bellies of the most delicious Cajun food around.

Time went on, word got out, and that roof was replaced. You could leave your umbrellas at the door.

The Crawfish Barn grew, and grew, and GREW. Not only the restaurant, The Crew.

And today, this BIG FAMILY has lost their home.

The home where they welcomed our families.

Where our celebrations took place.

Proms, Homecomings, AllStars, Birthdays,Anniversaries, Girl’s Night Out, First Dates…. So many memories.

Where young teens got their first jobs and learned the value of hard work, team work, and Southern Hospitality.

Where they were trained by the ones born on the bayou, who know how to make a roux, who shared secrets passed down from their MeeMees and MawMaws & Papaws and Noncs. And TERRI.

And Shug.

Katie Deshotel & Kelli Jo have worked tirelessly & given selflessly

In every capacity you can imagine.

The busiest time of year just beginning… Crawfish Season. And Mardi Gras! Oh y’all!

Nearly FORTY employees who depended on their income to support their families have been displaced.

Let’s rally around them in their time of need. Those who have given seaux much… Now is their time to receive.

To every person who has reached out, prayed, and those able to donate and share, The Crawfish Barn Family is filled with humble gratitude. We will be back!!!