The Location
The Abita Springs Cafe was built in 1881 as home to a local butcher shop, which operated here until 1919. Over the next 40 years, it was home to several different businesses, such as Murphy's Lawnmower repair shop and Eddie Escaig's Meat Market before eventually becoming Abita Spring's favorite breakfast and lunch spot.
"Belsom Haven"
In the 1960's, Walter J. Belsom and his wife Betty purchased property at the end of kustenmacher road along the abita river. Hre along with their three children, Ronald, Charles, and Mary, they raised a variety of livestock onthe small farm they affectionately named "Belsom Haven". Walter worked for Samuel Zemurray, nicknamed "Sam the Banana Man". Head of the United Fruit Company for over 50 years before retiring.
Abita Cafe Purchase
In 1979, Walter purchased several peces of property in Abita Springs. Including the current location of the Abita Springs Cafe and the neighboring snowball stand. Over the next 33 years, the Abita Springs Cafe would be operated by several different restaurateurs and become famous for its breakfast.
The Journey Begins
In 1996, Walter's grandson, Brent, son of Charles and Alison Belsom, entered the restaurant business. He spent the next 12 years refining his culinary and management skills at several different restaurants throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. All while eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return to the Abita Springs Cafe which was currently under lease.
Rebuilding an Abita Landmark
In September of 2012, more than 50 years after Walter J. Belsom planted his family's roots in Abita, the Belsoms were thrilled with the opportunity to return to operating the Abita Springs Cafe and rebuild this historic landmark. Through Charlie and Ronald's vision and guidance, the cafe has undergone some major renovations and improvements both inside and out. All the while preserving the integrity and the history of this 130 year old building for future generations to appreciate.
Enter Abita Roasting Co.
In April of 2013, the Abita Springs Cafe partnered with the Abita Roasting CO., owned by Kyle Ross, to produce our very own Abita Springs Cafe private roast coffee for use exclusively in the cafe. Our coffee is locally roasted and ground in house to produce the freshest cup of coffee available. Under the guidance of Roastmaster, Kyle, the Abita Roasting Company has developed a unique and passionate line of coffee blends from popular regions around the world. Here at the cafe, we offer many of those blends for in house consumption, as well as packaged for take home.
A New Concept is Born
Driven by a passion for great coffee with a delicious breakfast, the Abita Springs Cafe and the Abita Roasting Company joined forces. Their goal was to create the ultimate breakfast and brunch coffee-house style restaurant in a trendy and exciting atmosphere. In March 2015, the Abita Roasting Company opened its doors at 1011 Village Walk in Downtown Covington, Louisiana. Here you can find many of the same dishes you love at the cafe plus many more delicious creations. Our Covington location also features an extensive espresso & pastry counter, where our professional baristas passionately produce the perfect cup of coffee.
Connecting with Local Farms
In August of 2015, after the country's chicken population was decimated by the Avian Flu, the Abita Springs Cafe decided to be proactive and move away from national commercialized manufacturers, and start sourcing many of its products from local farms. In addition, the cafe has also invested in the purchase of its own 850 pasture raised chickens to produce the eggs consumed at the cafe, the Abita Roasting Co., and on abitafresh.com. So not only can we tell you where your egg comes from, we can also show you the chicken that laid it... Now that's fresh!
Family Reunion
In December of 2017, after several years of operating under different ownership, the Abita Roasting Company's flagship store located at 504 Water Street in Madisonville, Louisiana was reunited with its sister companies. Now all three stores will share consistent menus and leadership. Our Madisonville location is located in Downtown on the beautiful Tchefuncte River in a cozy cottage home featuring a large porch, courtyard, and koi ponds. We also have a multi-use banquet room perfect for any event from business luncheons to weddings. For bookings, please call 985-246-3340.
The Story Continues
Abita Springs Cafe staff, management, and owners appreciate the opportunity to serve you. We are present daily in the cafe preparing homemade favorites with fresh, quality ingredients. As we strive to carry on the rich tradition, we are pleased to present favorites from menus past and present. May these selections enhance your dining experience with us. Today, there are many choices for dining in our area. We are flattered that you selected us!