Emeril Lagasse Will Open New Chop House in Baton Rouge
The restaurant is set to host its public grand opening at the L'Auberge Casino & Hotel on September 24, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out
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Chef Emeril Lagasse is launching Emeril's Chop House in Baton Rouge on September 24, 2026. The new dining establishment replaces the former 18 Steak venue inside the L'Auberge Casino & Hotel.
Why it matters
The opening brings the culinary style developed by Lagasse, who launched his flagship New Orleans restaurant 36 years ago, to a new audience in the region. The project represents a specific collaboration between the management team and the L'Auberge culinary staff.
Located at 777 L'Auberge Ave, the new restaurant menu features 11 different appetizer options. The establishment is led by 26-year-old chef Brendan Rufty.
The players
Emeril Lagasse
He is a prominent chef and restaurateur who established his first flagship restaurant in New Orleans 36 years ago.
Brendan Rufty
He is the 26-year-old chef de cuisine who completed specialized training in Las Vegas to lead the new kitchen operations.
L'Auberge Casino & Hotel
This facility serves as the Baton Rouge hospitality venue hosting the new dining establishment.
The details
Chef Brendan Rufty prepared for the launch by completing a one-week training session at Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas, an establishment that has been open for 27 years. The menu features signature items including barbecue shrimp, filet mignon, and Wagyu strip.
Timeline
1990: Emeril's flagship restaurant opened in New Orleans.
September 22, 2026: Chef Emeril Lagasse signed cookbooks at the location.
September 24, 2026: The restaurant hosts its public grand opening.
Culture Shift
This follows a pattern set by the historical expansion of celebrity chef-branded dining into destination resorts, mirroring industry trends where high-profile chefs partner with regional casinos. The move reflects the ongoing integration of boutique culinary experiences into large-scale hospitality environments.
Diners can expect a shift in the high-end steakhouse options available at the L'Auberge property as the new menu replaces the previous 18 Steak offerings. Residents and hotel guests should plan for potential changes in dining availability during the transition period.
The takeaway
The arrival of Emeril's Chop House highlights the continued focus on bringing established culinary brands to regional hospitality hubs. Visitors can expect a menu centered on signature steak and shrimp preparations developed during the chef's intensive training period.
Further reading
For more information on the regional culinary scene, browse our Dining Out section.
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