Chris “Moose” Garriga, Johnny Gaudet and the Ponchatoulas & Log Cabin Team Win Hospitality Award

Written by: Tori Davis

The award will be presented at the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center.

Garriga and Gaudet are local restauranteurs and business owners with more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Both men have built a reputation for being individuals who always show up when called upon and consistently give back to the North Louisiana community.

In 1999, the Ruston Lincoln CVB began to recognize members of the community who make a significant impact on our area and help fulfill the CVB’s mission by honoring them with the Lincoln Parish Hospitality Award. The Ruston Lincoln CVB is honored to be able to present this year’s award to Garriga, Gaudet, and their outstanding staff members.

“As local restaurant owners, the past year has been especially challenging for Garriga, Gaudet and their team,” said Amanda Carrier, Ruston Lincoln CVB President/CEO. “Through all the obstacles, they have been champions of pivoting their operations to continue serving the community. The staff of Log Cabin and Ponchatoulas consistently showed creativity through their modified operations, in addition to leading the local restaurant community in COVID-19 best practices.”

Additionally, when Hurricane Laura hit the state, Garriga and Gaudet loaded up their trailers and set out to do disaster catering. Over the course of 12 days, they provided 25,000+ meals to first responders, linemen, and those in need.

“This past year has been one of the most trying times for us in business. Each day we went to work not having a clue if the day would be normal or if we would be playing firefighter all day. But every day we opened the doors, turned on the equipment, and waited on our guests the best possible way we could,” said Garriga. “Ruston showed up for us every time we had our doors open and we are beyond thankful for it.”

“We would like to say a big thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each and every person that hung in there with us, from curbside orders, to eating out of tents and picnic tables on the sidewalks downtown, to being patient with us as we slowly and safely reopened our inside dinning,” said Gaudet.

Garriga and Gaudet also applauded their staff members, all of which displayed great adaptability as the restaurants had to regularly alter operations. The two expressed their deep appreciation for every team member, as well as the entire community for making this award possible.

“Whether it’s providing a safe place for the community to dine or hitting the road to prepare meals for those who need support, Moose and Johnny’s hospitality shines through in all they do,” said Carrier.

About the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors BureauThe Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization that works to create, preserve and enhance a variety of quality visitor experiences through the promotion of Lincoln Parish. For more information, visit www.experienceruston.com.