Spotlight on Black-Owned Businesses in SWLA

by Stefanie Powers

As our region slowly recovers from the trials of the past two years, here’s a shout-out to a sample of the many SWLA Black-owned businesses that continue to strengthen and grow our community.

Famous Foods

Yes, they’re back! Darby Guillory has reopened in the same location after the hurricanes and is once again serving up goodness. Whether it’s cracklins, boudin, barbecued ribs, chicken, brisket . . . they’ve got you covered!

1475 Gerstner Memorial Blvd., Lake Charles. 

Their drive-thru hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Dine-in is from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. (337) 508-2833

Cruise Planners

Tina Higgins operates a Cruise Planners travel agency in Lake Charles. Specializing in both land, sea, and pre-planned vacations, she can help you plan your next adventure to destinations around the world. 

Open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sat. Go to www.destinationsbytina.com or call 337-405-7650.

King’s Funeral Home

Serving the Southwest Louisiana community since 1993, King’s Funeral Home delivers personalized services to honor your loved ones. There are various packages to choose from to fit every budget. Cremation services are also available.  King’s facilities offer multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for safe socializing, including a park complete with a picnic area, an on-site chapel, and plenty of parking. Owned and operated by U.S. veteran Willie King.

1611 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 439-7729

Todd Clemons and Associates, APLC

Todd S. Clemons is the founder of Todd Clemons and Associates, APLC in Lake Charles. His legal experience stems from his time as a public servant, working as an Assistant District Attorney in Calcasieu Parish, and also as a United States Attorney for the Department of Justice. Areas of practice at the firm include criminal defense, family law, personal injury and civil litigation. Based in Lake Charles, the firm serves clients throughout Louisiana. Attorneys Todd Clemons, Janet Madison and Tasina Gray have a total of 35 years combined legal experience. 

1740 Ryan St., Lake Charles (337) 477-0000, 

intake@toddclemons.com, 

www.toddclemons.com 

AA Billiards & Game Room Supplies

This is the place to go for all your billiards and game room needs. Owner Mike Livings purchased the business in 2008 and expanded to a bigger location. They can re-felt your old pool table or you can buy a new one. Need to up the game in your game room? You’ll find lighting, pub tables and barstools, poker tables and artwork. From air hockey tables to board games and dartboards, they have whatever you need to make game time fun for everyone. 

Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.Sunday. 512 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles, www.aabilliardsupply.com,

 (337) 475-2331

Lake City Trucking

Lake City Trucking, transportation company, has been serving customers since 1988. Owned and operated by James G. Gobert, they maintain a diversified fleet of trucks and trailers to service the oil, petro-chemical, steel, timber and construction industries. Their vehicles include flatbeds, vans, dump trucks, roll-off trailers and step decks. The company complies with all USDOT safety standards and maintains a Satisfactory Rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

5700 BJ Cement Rd., PO Box 16545, Lake Charles, LA 70616, www.lakecitytrucking.com,  

(337)494-6900.

J. Walker & Company, APC

J. Walker & Company, APC is a certified public accounting firm, offering accounting, audit and advisory, tax and compliance and Quickbooks hosting services. Jonald Walker is managing principal of the company, which was organized in 2009. The firm works in multiple industries with a primary focus in governmental, construction, healthcare, and non-profit sectors offering accounting, auditing, and tax service. They have offices in Lake Charles and Houston. 

Lake Charles: 2740 Rue de Jardin, Ste. 100, Lake Charles, LA 70605, (337) 478-7902. Houston: 7678 Woodway, Ste. 208, Houston, TX, 77063 

(713) 588-4460. www.jwalker.com, 

contact@jwalkerco.com

Carheel Consulting

Carheel Consulting is a workforce development solutions firm located in Westlake, LA. Established in 2007 by McDonald “Mac” Carheel, the company utilizes innovative concepts to design and develop workforce programs, manage workforce initiatives, and provide career development, counseling, and job placement services.

The company has developed programs designed to help individuals enter the workforce and eliminate barriers that prevent them from securing career opportunities. Carheel counsels individuals seeking career paths, advancing in their employment, or transitioning to a new line of work, and consults with organizations on entry-level to executive searches for individuals or mass hires.

PO Box 592, Westlake, LA, 70669 (866) 936-0638 

www.carheel.com, info@carheel.com

Rita’s Family Creole Kitchen

Rita Fields operated Rita’s Family Creole Kitchen in Big Lake, La., but the structure was destroyed by Hurricane Laura. Not to be deterred, Rita moved her business to 3922 Ryan St. (the old Chastain’s location). Once again, Rita is serving up her best Creole cooking, including favorites like po’boys, burgers, baked potatoes, seafood, and other dinner entrees. 

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Mon. – Thurs., 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Fri. – Sat., and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sundays. 

337-429-5126