Corner Pantry Catering by Connie Opened in Lafayette
The local institution has transitioned from a legacy grocery store to a new catering-focused business model.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Corner Pantry Catering by Connie officially opened at 203 Winchester Drive on October 12, 2026. The new business replaces the original Corner Pantry grocery store, which closed in June after operating for 60 years.
Why it matters
The shift allows owners to focus on profitable catering services after declining grocery sales and high utility costs made the aging Foreman Drive location unsustainable. This move preserves a local brand while adapting to modern economic realities.
The new facility can cater events for up to 400 people and has already secured 35 wedding bookings for the following year. This follows the closure of the original 11,000-square-foot grocery store that served the community for six decades.
The players
Corner Pantry Catering by Connie
This is a newly registered LLC catering operation that focuses on hot food service and event hosting.
Grab-N-Geaux
This is a fuel station operator planning to build a new location on the site of the former Corner Pantry grocery store.
The details
The catering business occupies the space formerly used by Domino's Pizza and features a menu of hot plate lunches, boudin, chili, and burgers. The original Foreman Drive site is now slated for demolition to make way for a Grab-N-Geaux fuel station.
Timeline
The original Corner Pantry business began operations in the early 1970s.
A zoning commission denied the Grab-N-Geaux permit in late 2025.
The city council approved a conditional use permit for fuel sales in early 2026.
The Corner Pantry grocery store closed permanently on June 30, 2026.
Corner Pantry Catering by Connie opened on October 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition mirrors a broader trend of legacy local retailers moving away from large-footprint grocery operations in favor of lean, service-oriented business models. It positions the company to maintain brand loyalty while shedding the high overhead costs associated with aging brick-and-mortar storefronts.
Customers can now access catering services for events of up to 400 people, including the established menu of hot plate lunches and burgers. The closure of the Foreman Drive grocery means residents must source traditional grocery goods from other local providers.
The takeaway
Legacy businesses can often survive shifting market conditions by pivoting to their most profitable services rather than closing entirely. Residents looking to utilize the new catering services should book well in advance given the strong initial demand.
Further reading
For more updates on local retail shifts, visit the Lafayette Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPEL 96.5.
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