Villa Harlequin Announces New Leadership and Ownership Structure

The Hunter and Sperandeo families, owners of Villa Harlequin, announce a new chapter in the restaurant’s storied history.

After over five decades in the restaurant industry, Mike and Brenda Sperandeo have announced their retirement. “It has been an honor to have been a part of a multi-generational, family restaurant here in Lake Charles. This city and this community have been good to me and my family. It’s impossible for Brenda and me to squeeze five decades into a few words, but I do want to thank this community, our customers, and my staff over the years for this amazing experience and all the great memories,” states Mike Sperandeo. “At this juncture in our lives, we’re looking forward to focusing on being grandparents and all the other joys of retirement.”

At the same time of the Sperandeos’ retirement, Villa Harlequin welcomes Blakelee Kibodeaux as the new co-owner along with Nic and Becky Hunter. Kibodeaux will also serve as general manager. Kibodeaux has over 15 years of restaurant experience, working front of the house, back of the house and as general manager. His most recent employment was with The James 710 and Vic and Anthony’s. “I am thrilled to take this next step in my career. It is exciting to move into ownership of a restaurant, especially one with as much history and tradition as Villa Harlequin. I thank the Sperandeos for their many years of stewardship and I thank the Hunters for having faith in me as a partner.”

Villa Harlequin enthusiastically welcomes and invites all to visit to experience the Summer 2024 menu under the new management. Moving forward, regular hours for lunch will be Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner hours will be Tues.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday dinner 5 -10 p.m.

Visit www.thevillaharlequin.com and follow www.facebook.com/TheVillaHarlequin for more information.

Pictured L-R: Blakelee Kibodeaux, Mike Sperandeo, Nic Hunter