NEW ORLEANS – Houma, Louisiana-based food service equipment dealer Richard’s Restaurant Supply has entered the New Orleans market by buying Loubat’s name and intellectual properties.
Loubat Glassware & Cork Company began business Jan. 1, 1875, in the New Orleans’ French Quarter. Richard's purchased the Loubat name and intellectual properties from Foodservice Warehouse who had filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy Oct. 12, 2016 for its Loubat Division of Food Service Warehouse.
Loubat is considered a giant in the hospitality and culinary industry. Its qualified kitchen designers provided drawings, equipment and smallwares to more than 75 percent of the world famous restaurants in downtown New Orleans and beyond.
Richard's Restaurant Supply began business in August 1977 and services South Louisiana. Now with combined 182 years servicing the entire Gulf Coast this merger/ acquisition is a natural combo, Richard’s reps said. Richard's interest in this acquisition has been in the works for many years, but the timing never worked out, they said.
Richard's reps said they have the largest showroom in the State of Louisiana, a 17,000 sf Super Center devoted 100 percent to food service equipment, smallwares, rentals, repair parts and service to the industry. Upscale Viking home kitchen appliances and outdoor kitchens are also available.
Located at 235 S. Hollywood Rd. in Houma, 50 miles west of New Orleans, the public is invited to “shop where the chefs shop.” The showroom offers cash and carry, shopping cart style selecting, clean spacious aisles, well-lighted interior, a massive inventory and a friendly knowledgeable staff of food service professional to help, Richard’s reps said.
There is also a free pick up dock available Mondays through Fridays.
Deliveries for larger equipment orders are made into the New Orleans market weekly.
Throughout its 142-year history, the Loubat family maintained control and adapted to various name changes but never departed the family namesake “Loubat.” Examples of various names used were Loubat Hotel & Restaurant Supply Company, Loubat L. Frank, Loubat Equipment Company and the Loubat Division of Food Service Warehouse.
Richard’s reps said future goals include providing a “one of a kind larger than life super showroom” that chefs and the public can visit, to continue excellent design services for kitchens, bars and hotels and to provide common sense solutions to the food service industry.
Showroom hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richard’s has specialized in supplying the offshore and marine industries with galley and laundry equipment since 1977, and supplies restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, hospitals along with many other types of businesses.
Richard’s offers all major brands of cooking equipment, refrigeration and ice making equipment, and all sorts of kitchen supplies as well as kitchen design, equipment rental, installation, service, repair parts, preventative maintenance and support, reps said.
