Multiple New Businesses Coming to Lafayette in 2026

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - This week we've received more news regarding new businesses coming to Lafayette and a major upgrade to a St. Landry Parish distribution center. Let's dive in.

Fat Pat’s Planning New Lafayette Location

The Fat Pat's Bar & Grill footprint will be growing by one with a new location being built at 6004 Johnston Street in Lafayette (across from the Southside Regional Library).

This will mark the seventh location of Fat Pat's. Current locations across south Louisiana include:

• Lafayette - 626 Verot School Rd
• Lafayette - 117 Westmark Blvd
• Broussard - 6925 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy
• Carencro - 3900 NE Evangeline Thruway
• Breaux Bridge - 1600 Rees St
• Lake Charles - 2620 Dillard Lp

There is an interesting change possibly coming to the Fat Pat's brand as the company has recently begun using "Fat Pat's Kitchen" in some of its marketing, according to Developing Lafayette. We shall see in time if that change is permanent and made across all its properties.

It's unclear at this time when this new Fat Pat's location will open. We'll keep tabs on the construction process and provide an update when an opening date is provided.

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Indoor-Outdoor Beer Garden Planned Near Trader Joe’s

Another exciting new business coming to Lafayette should be a hit on the southside of town. Developing Lafayette is also reporting a new indoor-outdoor beer garden or "ice house" style venue is being planned along Bluebird Drive and Camelia Blvd, adjacent to where the new Trader Joe's will be.

(The pin on the map below shows where Trader Joe's will be located.)

This new venue will sit on 2.87 acres and will include a Texas-inspired ice house concept featuring a large, connected indoor and outdoor gathering space. It will contain a dog-friendly outdoor yard with turf, lots of shaded seating, large air-moving fans, TVs, propane heaters, and lots of seating options.

READ MORE: Long-Awaited Olive Garden Opens to Long Lines, Excitement in Central Louisiana

The venue's name along with construction timelines have not been announced, but we'll follow this exciting new business and pass along news when it becomes available.

Walmart Announces Major Opelousas Distribution Center Upgrade

The last bit of news we have for you doesn't involve a new construction, but rather upgrades to an existing facility. Walmart has announced it will invest $330 million in upgrades at its regional distribution center in Opelousas.

The company expects to retain its workforce and transition roles toward higher-skilled positions in automation, robotics, and advanced technology.

“Louisiana and Opelousas have been great partners for nearly 25 years,” Senior Vice President of Walmart Supply Chain Mike Gray said. “By adding robotics and automation, we’re transforming how we serve our stores and customers. This investment allows us to grow alongside the community while creating new opportunities for career growth for our associates.”

Once the upgrades are complete, the Opelousas facility will be able to ship nearly twice the number of cases as a traditional distribution center, strengthening supply chain efficiency for Walmart stores throughout the region.

The project is expected to begin some time in 2026. No completion date was given.