Let’s get you strolling into a small grocery store, the smell of fresh boudin in the air, and a friendly face waving you over. That was Simoneaud Grocery for the folks of New Iberia, Louisiana—a place that felt like home for 71 years. When it closed in 2025, it left behind memories and a big gap in the community. Let’s chat about what made Simoneaud Supermarkets so special, why it shut down, and how you can still get those Cajun flavors you love.
Key Takeaways
- Simoneaud’s Grocery was a New Iberia staple for 71 years, starting back in 1954.
- A steep rent hike forced its closure in June 2025, breaking hearts across town.
- Locals loved its fresh meats, like boudin and cracklins, and its friendly vibe.
- An online auction in August 2025 sold off the store’s gear, closing a chapter.
- Its story shows the real struggles small shops face in Louisiana today.
The Story of Simoneaud
Let’s step back to 1954, when New Iberia was all about tight-knit neighborhoods and corner stores. Simoneaud’s was born in that world, and it became a local legend.
Kicking Off in 1954
V.P. and Hazel Simoneaud opened their first store with a simple idea: good food, fair prices, and a warm welcome. It started small, but folks loved their fresh meats and personal touch. Soon, they grew to three stores across New Iberia, building a name that lasted decades.
The Glory Days
At its peak, Simoneaud’s was where you went for everything—groceries, deli treats, or just a quick chat. Imagine neighbors swapping stories while grabbing produce or planning a barbecue with Simoneaud’s sausage. With 3,181 likes on their Facebook page by 2025, it’s clear this place was a community anchor.
Down to One Store
By 2025, things got tougher, and Simoneaud was left with just its Admiral Doyle spot in the Iberia Mall Shopping Center. Even then, it stayed a favorite, with 92% of 43 online reviews praising its quality. But running a small store was about to get a lot harder.
The Simoneaud Family
This wasn’t just a store—it was a family affair. The Simoneaud’s poured their hearts into it, making it feel like an extension of their home.
Meet the Family
V.P. and Hazel started it all, raising three sons who helped run the show. After V.P. passed in 2011 and Hazel in 2008, their son Roy and his wife Toni kept the dream alive. Their warmth made every visit feel personal.
Passing the Torch
Every family member had a job, from stocking shelves to ringing up customers. Picture Roy checking inventory while Toni shared weekly deals on Facebook, keeping folks in the loop. It was a team effort that kept Simoneaud’s true to its roots.
Heartfelt Memories
Think of a kid grabbing a soda after school, served by Toni with a smile. One Yelp reviewer shared how they bought turkey necks every Thanksgiving for their gumbo, a tradition tied to Simoneaud’s. Stories like these, found in obituaries and reviews, show why the closure stung so much.
What Made Simoneaud’s Special
Simoneaud’s wasn’t your average grocery store. It was all about fresh, local food that screamed Louisiana.
Meats That Stole the Show
The meat counter was the star, with boudin, cracklins, and sausage earning 3-4 star Yelp reviews. Imagine biting into a warm boudin link on your lunch break—pure comfort. One X post raved about their turkey necks, perfect for a hearty gumbo.
Local Goods Galore
They stocked local goodies, like Dave’s Bayou Flava seasonings, featured in a 2024 Daily Iberian piece. Fresh produce from nearby farms gave shoppers that true Cajun taste. Supporting local vendors made Simoneaud’s a proud part of New Iberia.
Budget-Friendly Finds
In a town where every dollar counts, Simoneaud’s kept prices low. You could grab milk, bread, or a daily meal without stressing your wallet. With grocery costs climbing, this was a lifeline for families.
Why Simoneaud’s Closed
In June 2025, Simoneaud’s shut its doors for good. The reason hit hard, and it’s one too many small shops face.
A Rent Hike Too Big
KADN News reported that a massive rent increase at the Iberia Mall site was too much for Roy and Toni to handle. After 71 years, they had no choice but to close. It’s a tough reality for family businesses everywhere.
Tough Times for Small Shops
Louisiana’s small stores are struggling, with news from 2022-2025 showing closures across the state. Big chains like Walmart and rising costs are squeezing out places like Simoneaud’s. The owners’ story reflects a bigger fight for local shops.
The Owners’ Heartbreak
Roy and Toni didn’t want to walk away. “It’s heartbreaking,” Roy told KADN, his voice heavy with the weight of ending a legacy. That raw emotion shows how much Simoneaud’s meant to them and their customers.
How It Hit New Iberia
Closing Simoneaud’s was like losing a piece of New Iberia’s soul. It wasn’t just about groceries—it was about community.
A Lost Gathering Spot
Facebook posts called it “the end of an era,” with locals sharing memories of shopping trips with family. On Nextdoor, 8 users marked it a favorite, showing its role as a neighborhood hub. Losing that connection left a void.
Jobs and Vendors Affected
The closure likely meant job losses for employees, though exact numbers aren’t out there. Local vendors, like those making seasonings, lost a key partner. This ripple effect, not fully covered in news, shows the wider impact.
A Changing Local Scene
Simoneaud’s closure fits a pattern of small Louisiana stores fading away. Articles from recent years highlight similar losses nearby. Now, locals must drive farther for specialty items, changing how they shop and live.
Where to Shop Now
Don’t lose hope—New Iberia has options to keep your kitchen stocked with Cajun flavor. Here’s how to fill the gap.
Other Supermarkets
- Rouse’s Market: Carries Simoneaud’s meats across 62 Louisiana stores. It’s a bit pricier but close in quality.
- Super 1 Foods: Great for basics, though it’s light on Cajun specialties.
- Walmart: Tons of choices, but it misses that local touch Simoneaud’s had.
Tips for Local Shopping
- Head to Raintree Market for Cajun staples like cracklins—it’s got that small-town feel.
- Use apps like Flipp to snag deals on meats and produce, saving cash.
- Check out Iberia Parish farmers’ markets for fresh, local goods that echo Simoneaud’s vibe.
Finding Specialty Items
For boudin or sausage, try Champagne’s Supermarket. Some X users say it’s not quite Simoneaud’s, so test a small batch first. Online shops like CajunGrocer.com can ship Cajun treats, but watch for higher prices.
What Happened After
Simoneaud’s didn’t just fade away—its final months were eventful. Here’s the latest on its story.
The Big Auction
In August 2025, Grafe Auction sold over 500 store items online, from coolers to shelves, as shared on Facebook. Locals bid to keep a piece of Simoneaud’s, making it a bittersweet goodbye.
What’s Next for the Space
The Iberia Mall spot’s future is unclear. Some X posts guess it’ll become another chain store, but nothing’s confirmed. There’s hope a new local business might take over, keeping the community spirit alive.
Where the Products Went
Simoneaud’s meats and deli items live on at Rouse’s, Champagne’s, and Raintree Market. Pop into Rouse’s for the closest match to that boudin you loved. Facebook updates confirm these stores are carrying the torch.
Tips for Small Shops
Simoneaud’s story has lessons for other local businesses fighting to stay open.
Handling Rent Hikes
- Start lease talks early to avoid surprise increases.
- Get the community involved—start a petition or crowdfunding to help with costs.
- Look for local grants, like some Louisiana shops have used to stay afloat.
Keeping Up With Change
Simoneaud’s didn’t go online, but others have. A basic website or social media shop can draw customers. Raintree Market’s Instagram deals show how to stay in the game.
Holding Onto Your Story
Simoneaud’s Facebook page kept fans close with photos and memories. Share your shop’s story online to build loyalty. Experts say posting regularly helps small businesses stay connected, even in tough times.
FAQs
- Is Simoneaud’s Grocery still open?
No, it closed in June 2025 after 71 years because of a rent hike at its Admiral Doyle location. - Why did Simoneaud’s close?
A big rent increase made it too expensive, pushing owners Roy and Toni to retire, per KADN. - What was Simoneaud’s known for?
Fresh meats, boudin, cracklins, and local goods like Dave’s Bayou Flava seasonings. - Where can I get Simoneaud’s products now?
Rouse’s (62 stores), Champagne’s Supermarket, and Raintree Market have similar Cajun items. - What happened to Simoneaud’s stuff?
Over 500 items were sold in an August 2025 online auction by Grafe Auction. - What are good alternatives in New Iberia?
Try Rouse’s for meats, Super 1 for basics, or Raintree Market for Cajun specialties.
Next time you’re craving boudin or a taste of New Iberia, swing by Rouse’s or Raintree Market. Keep supporting local shops to carry on the spirit of Simoneaud’s and make sure these community gems don’t fade away.
