Roul’s Deli: A Louisiana Family Tradition Built on Flavor, Community, and Hard Work
- Bayou State Media
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Photo By: Rouls Deli
A Louisiana Story That Started Small
In Louisiana, some restaurants become more than just places to grab a meal—they become part of the community. For more than 25 years, Roul's Deli has been one of those places.
Founded in 1999, Roul's Deli was named after the owners' father, Roul, whose name continues to represent the family business more than two decades later.
What many customers may not realize is just how humble the beginning really was.
Long before multiple locations and expansion plans, the very first Roul's Deli operated out of a trailer on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge. After building a loyal customer base, the family sold that location and moved down the road to Plank Road, taking the next step in what would become one of Louisiana's most recognizable local restaurant brands.
What started as a small family business with a simple idea has grown into a restaurant known throughout Louisiana for its food, hospitality, and commitment to the communities it serves.
Meet the Family Behind Roul's Deli
Today, Roul's remains a family-owned and operated business led by brother-and-sister team Hesham and Sara.
Together, they oversee the restaurant's operations while continuing to push the brand forward through new menu items, community involvement, and expansion across Louisiana.
Unlike many restaurant chains, Roul's prides itself on keeping things personal. Everything is made in-house, and Hesham and Sara personally test new specialty items and recipes before they ever reach customers.
That hands-on approach helps ensure every new item meets the standards that customers have come to expect from the Roul's name.
Fan Favorites Keep Customers Coming Back
Over the years, Roul's has built a loyal following thanks to its unique menu offerings and Louisiana-inspired flavors.
Among the most popular items are the famous Crawfish Egg Rolls and the Shrimp Burger, two menu items that have become customer favorites.
For first-time visitors, Hesham and Sara say those are the two items everyone should try first.
Another standout menu item is the Loaded Seafood Fries, topped with shrimp and crawfish and packed with the bold Louisiana flavors customers have come to expect.
Growing Across Louisiana
While the menu continues to evolve, the restaurant's commitment to family and community remains unchanged.
Roul's Deli has experienced significant growth over the years, opening three new locations in recent years and continuing to look toward the future.
The next chapter of that growth is expected to come in Lafayette, where the company hopes to open a new location by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
More Than a Restaurant
Growth has never come at the expense of community involvement.
Roul's regularly sponsors local schools, participates in charity events, and organizes Thanksgiving giveaways throughout the year. These efforts reflect the values that helped build the restaurant from the beginning: family, hard work, and giving back to the communities that support them.
For Hesham and Sara, Roul's Deli is more than a restaurant—it is a family legacy.
What started in a small trailer on Airline Highway in 1999 has grown into a Louisiana success story fueled by dedication, innovation, and a passion for serving great food.
As the company continues expanding across the state, one thing remains unchanged: the family-first spirit that has made Roul's Deli a Louisiana favorite for more than two decades.
Whether you're a longtime customer or visiting for the first time, Roul's offers more than just a meal—it offers a taste of Louisiana family tradition.
Whether you're heading to Tiger Stadium for an LSU game, grabbing lunch between classes on campus, or simply looking for a great local restaurant in the Baton Rouge area, Roul's Deli offers a menu and atmosphere that have kept customers coming back for more than 25 years.
From their famous Shrimp Burger and Crawfish Egg Rolls to their loaded seafood specialties, Roul's continues to deliver the fresh, made-to-order food and family hospitality that helped build its reputation across Louisiana.
Watch Our Interview with Hesham
As part of our Louisiana Food Tour series, Bayou State Media sat down with Hesham, co-owner of Roul's Deli, to learn more about the history of the family business, how it got started, and what's next for the growing Louisiana restaurant brand.
Check out a preview of our conversation and hear directly from Hesham about the history of Roul's Deli.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdFn2uJV-g/
Learn More About Roul's Deli
For more information, locations, online ordering, and the full menu, visit:
As Roul's Deli continues to expand across Louisiana, the mission remains the same as it was in 1999: serve great food, support the community, and provide a place where customers feel like family.
What began in a small trailer on Airline Highway has grown into a Louisiana success story, and with new locations on the horizon, the next chapter is still being written.
Follow Bayou State Media for more stories from our Louisiana Food Tour series as we travel across the state highlighting the restaurants, people, and small businesses that make Louisiana special.
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to share it with a friend and stay tuned for more restaurant features, owner interviews, and hidden culinary gems from across the Bayou State.
