by Jeanni Ritchie
I remember my first visit to Logan’s on MacArthur in the 90’s. It was the first time I wondered if one could actually fall in love with a restaurant.
We came often, from family dinners to birthday parties to luncheon meetings. The wait for a table often surpassed the wait for your food once seated but it was worth it.
When my weight dropped below 90 lbs and I could barely tolerate solid food, the GM would let me order the kids steak kebabs medium rare for some much needed protein. Restaurant guidelines required kid steak kabobs to be served well-done and to children so I appreciated the exception and the care given.
After I moved away I continued visiting Logan’s Roadhouses across the country. I hosted a surprise birthday party at a Logan’s in Jackson for my former husband, accidentally inviting student worker Dennis instead of music professor Dennis. My family still laughingly double checks my guest list when I throw a party!
I always frequented my “starter” Logan’s in Alexandria when I visited. I noticed the parking lot becoming emptier with each visit but never gave it much thought. Trips home were always a whirlwind anyway and pondering a restaurant’s traffic was not on my radar.
But then I moved home and started really noticing things.
Some changes are inevitable. This past year I’ve learned to embrace it. Whether it’s the relocated Christmas tree in my parents’ den or the demolished Piccadilly building making way for an expanded Chick-fil-A, I’ve accepted that some things end while others begin.
But Logan’s is still here. It hasn’t gone anywhere. They aren’t relocating or being demolished. They are still cranking out the same excellent food with the same heart for its customers. Why aren’t the tables completely filled?
I spoke with Manager Todd Hammond on a recent visit.
“I expected the food to be awful,” I’d said.
“Wait, wait,” I quickly continued when a comically quizzical look passed his face. He has, after all, worked in the Logan’s kitchen for 23 years.
“But it was GOOD!” I insisted. “Really good.”
He smiled as we talked about growing up here, the restaurant industry, and the Alexandria Logan’s Roadhouse origins. He pointed out the updated outdoor lighting and we discussed options for an upcoming women’s group luncheon.
I felt as valued today as I had years ago.
Much fuller too as I had way more than kid’s steak bites this time around. You can lead a woman to hot buttered Logan’s rolls but you can’t make her stop eating them!
Logan’s Roadhouse is located at 2820 S. MacArthur Drive. Check out their new menu items and Wednesday’s Steak Break at https://logansroadhouse.
Jeanni Ritchie is a Central Louisiana journalist and amateur foodie. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
