Along with Thibodaux’s foliage, The Willow Café is turning a shade of “colonel red” as it turns over a new leaf this fall following its recent ownership change.
Local couple, Natalie and Garrett Benoit, signed papers finalizing their ownership of The Willow on June 16. It is a beloved hotspot in downtown Thibodaux, and Benoit fondly referred to the sale as “meant to be.”
Elise Richard opened the café in September 2011. She was fueled by her passion for baking, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit she gained after graduating from Nicholls State University.
The Willow relocated to its current downtown location in 2016 after transferring ownership to Shantelle Danos amid the pandemic. Danos then passed the torch to the Benoit family this summer.
While Benoit seeks to implement changes to the café following her newfound ownership, its foundational roots will stay the same. The only metaphorical pruning to The Willow will be its hours and menu.
The café is now open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, and Benoit has taken steps to elevate its menu. Customer favorites such as the homemade Pop-Tart and tomato-basil soup will remain a permanent fixture. Breakfast burritos and a wider variety of breakfast sandwiches were added to appeal to the new early-morning crowd.
Special seasonal sandwiches will be offered along with a house-made pumpkin spice sauce currently in the works for upcoming fall beverages.
The transition to fall also marks the beginning of Nicholls’ 2024-2025 academic year, something that The Willow plans to cater to.
Students now have more time to lounge at The Willow, as Benoit plans to modify its hours to extend into the evening during finals week. Year-round, students are eligible for a 10% discount if they present their Colonel Card.
Art students are encouraged to contact the café to exhibit and even market their works on The Willow’s brand-new display wall.
Above all, Benoit aims to cater to the needs of every Nicholls student.
“Whether you need a pick-me-up for an early morning class, a lunch date with a friend, or a place to study and have a delicious meal, we’re here for you,” Benoit said.
With student satisfaction in mind, The Willow Café is on its path to stay evergreen as a Thibodaux favorite.
