I was born and raised in Mandeville and now reside in Covington. I attended Cedarwood School until 7th grade, then graduated from Saint Paul’s High School in 2009. I have Bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a minor in renewable resources and sustainable agriculture. On a more personal note, I have a six year old daughter, who is lots of fun and keeps life interesting. My fiancée and I like to stay busy and enjoy spending time around the community at local events and markets. We even adopted our dog Reese at the Mandeville farmer’s market. We love to travel and spend time with friends and family.
Throughout school and after earning my degree, I’ve always had a passion for restaurants. I thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle, the exposure to the public, and the gratification that acts of service provide. My dream has always been open my own restaurant and to create an interesting concept. This dream finally became a reality just last year and I could not be more excited to share it with our community. Opening Parish Tacos has been a whirlwind, but the most incredible and fulfilling experience. We have dedicated our concept to be Louisiana-Mex, a Louisiana take on Hispanic food. We strive to source our ingredients to be fresh and locally sourced, while offering a unique take on classic tacos and other items.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the youngest son of three siblings. My mother is the proud founder of Cedarwood School, and I have always admired her drive to reach for her dreams. My father is a Tulane University Hall of Fame wide receiver from 1968-1972 and a man that wears many hats. Two of my siblings live out of state, but we remain close despite the distance.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked in many restaurants at various levels and positions since I was 15 years old. I’ve work as a busboy, dishwasher, server, line cook, and manager. I received the most experience from Oxlot 9 in Downtown Covington as a server, where I discovered a passion for restaurants at a very high level. At Oxlot 9, I’ve also created meaningful relationships which I have carried through opening Parish Tacos. Jean Pierre Fage’t and William Miles have helped me create Parish Tacos and its inspiring menu, and we met while working together at Ox Lot 9. What I love most about what I do, is hosting guests and feeding the people in our community with the hopes that the experience brightens their day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Pho Cong, Aki, Bear’s Restaurant, Gallagher’s Grill, Trey Yuen
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in this community my whole life, except for the time I spent in Lafayette for college.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Bruce Falkenstein has been impactful for my growth in becoming a business owner, as he has inspiring insight on financial prosperity and entrepreneurship. He provided me with support and confidence, and I am incredibly grateful.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: Idiocracy / TV Show: This is Us & The Bear
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“Fight for your dreams, be passionate about your work, and everything else will fall into place.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tiffany Lanes was incredibly fun and I am stoked for the reboot! Bear’s poboys also makes me nostalgic; the Ferdie poboy is one of the best sandwiches on the planet.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jon Favreau – Cured on Columbia – it’s a necessity to have an atmosphere where we can talk.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think what’s unique about our community is that we have a more laid back lifestyle than New Orleans, but also have to option to cross the bridge for a quick visit. Our location is central to what makes our community great and unique.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself opening a few more Parish Tacos locations or maybe a even creating new concepts as a restaurant group.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
As a kid, I learned how to sail on the Mandeville Lakefront.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A full night’s sleep.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad, Maxie LeBlanc, always encourages me to strive for excellence. Or, at the very least, give it the best effort I can.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safety, Comfort, Relaxation
