A Craft Passed Down: Lake Charles Poultry

by Katelynn Mouton

Nearly six decades after opening its doors, Lake Charles Poultry remains rooted in its founding principles of family, craftsmanship and community.

As Father’s Day approaches, the business also serves as a reminder of the traditions often passed down around the dinner table as well as from behind the counter. What began with Melanie Bellard Evans’ father in 1969 continues today through another generation of the family, ensuring that the values and work ethic that helped build the business remain a central focus today.

As the sun rises over Lake Charles, the work is already underway. Behind the counter, orders are still filled by hand, customers ask for cuts by name and generations of family continue to shape the rhythm of the day. Evans and her husband Sam have been at the helm since her brother Danny’s retirement in 2025 and their daughter works as the office manager alongside her husband who is also on the team.

In an industry that is moving more toward prepackaged convenience, Lake Charles Poultry has maintained a more personal approach according to Evans. “We are proud of our reputation built on providing organic, hormone-free chicken and specialty meats, but we are even more proud of the relationships we’ve formed across the counter through decades of serving Southwest Louisiana.”

For Sam, who oversees the day-to-day operations, the day starts with preparing orders, cutting meats to request and helping customers decide exactly what they need. This is a routine that has changed very little over the years and it’s a hands-on process that Evans says people still appreciate. “As customers become more interested in where their food comes from, and how it’s prepared, we’ve seen customers pay closer attention to sourcing and quality.”

The business has also become a familiar presence at local church functions, family celebrations and neighborhood events throughout the area. For the Evans family, this connection to the community is just as important as the produce behind the counter. “We’ve watched families grow up coming here,” Evans explains. “Now we’re seeing their children and grandchildren coming in too. That is something that is really special to us.”

As another generation steps into the business, the family aims to continue the traditions that have defined Lake Charles Poultry since 1969. Quality products, hands-on service and the kind of customer relationships that are increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world remain a central focus for the family.

While the food industry has seen a lot of change over the years, the Evans family believes there is still value in key lessons taught by her father—slowing down, knowing your customers and taking pride in the work behind the counter. 

“For families who continue to walk through our doors, we are more than a neighborhood market,” Evans says. “We are a place where recipes, stories and traditions are shared and where the connection between family, food and community continue.”

For more information, call 337-433-6818.