GATOR GRILLIN ’ IN THE
BY SHALISA ROLAND
The district is lined with restaurants , a local brewery , art gallery , and bars . One corner of the district thrived relentlessly , distinctively and honorably during America ’ s historic shutdown .
“ When I got news about the shutdown , my first thought was how am I going to support my employees ? What about their families ?” said Doug Rogers , owner of
Bayou Axe Throwing Company . “ Even when everything seemed bleak , thinking of creative ways to support my employees anchored me to finding a solution . After that , our entire chain of establishments refurbished our focus and prioritized family , internally and externally .”
Doug Rogers , Beaux Hays , and Aaron “ Peanut ” Hanning are just a few of the many members of the friendly coined , “ East Bank Mafia ”. These restaurateurs and hospitality bosses are a chain of friends and business owners with this catchy name that derives from their tight-knit relationships . When the pandemic struck , they
Pictured above ( left to right ): Doug Rogers , Aaron “ Peanut ” Hanning and Beaux Hays . Photographed by Kyle Johnson at Frozen Pirogue .