PETA to Protest Outside Downtown Lafayette Business in Exclusive Louisiana Stop

LAFAYETTE, La. — One of our favorite downtown Lafayette restaurants is preparing for an unexpected visit this Friday — not from diners, but from a national animal rights group aiming to make a statement.

Sunday’s Soda Fountain, located on Jefferson Street, was chosen as the only Lafayette stop on PETA’s "Hell on Wheels" tour through the southern U.S., a mobile protest against meat consumption. The restaurant’s owners say a neighbor texted them the news from an article they read online.

The demonstration, set for Friday, April 4 at noon, will feature PETA’s now-infamous truck outfitted with graphic images of pigs, sounds of "panicked screams," and messages promoting a vegan lifestyle. The group says its goal is to raise awareness about the treatment of animals in the meat industry, especially as many families prepare traditional Easter meals.

Sunday’s co-owner Setareh Mirian-Delcambre expressed surprise that a soda fountain was targeted.

“We were shocked,” she said. “We’re known for our vintage charm, house-made sodas, and comforting food — not exactly the image you’d expect to be targeted by a national protest.”

In a statement posted to their social media, Sunday’s took a direct, yet light-hearted tone.

“As a small business, we’re already faced with a lot of challenges without PETA planning to protest with a pig-wrapped truck making squealing noises… seriously?” the post reads. “We could really use the rally of community support this Friday.”

The restaurant invited patrons to visit during the lunch hour protest, highlighting a special Lent-friendly seafood menu and a cheeky new drink: the 'Orange You Glad There’s No Meat In This Martini,' featuring orange marmalade, gin, and cardamom bitters.

Despite the unexpected spotlight, Sunday’s is embracing the moment with grace and humor — and asking Lafayette locals to show up in solidarity.

“We’re cookin’,” the post reads. “Please spread the word and we’ll see you soon!”