LAPLACE — Scheduled to open next weekend, Bec’s at the Lake Restaurant and Catering offers tasty seafood and steak, live music and a calming, rustic atmosphere.

Located at 105 Gary St. down Peavine Road in LaPlace, the restaurant overlooks the beautiful Lake Pontchartrain and is divided into two floors. Guests check in upstairs, order entrees and receive a buzzer before heading downstairs to “The Dock” to enjoy live entertainment until their food is ready.

Seafood, steak, po-boys and burgers are the main highlights of the menu. The restaurant, which will open regularly for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday, also features lunch specials including stews and red beans for those on the go.

Though the focus will always be providing top quality food and service, owner George Becnel said Bec’s will stand out from other restaurants in the area because it is more than just a place to eat.

“We’re doing something unique in that we’re bringing catering and music to our restaurant,” Becnel said.

According to co-owner Denise Duhe Pritchard, numerous local bands including Catch-22, Triple Threat and Simply Us have reached out and asked to perform.

Becnel’s daughter, Faith, has her own band called Faith Becnel and the Music Krewe, and she is scheduled to perform opening weekend.

Becnel said band scheduling will revolve around the fall football season to ensure guests will always be able to come out and watch the Saints and LSU on one of four big screen TVs.

During the off-season, the restaurant will preserve the rich Cajun culture of the area by hosting fais do-dos featuring dancing and upbeat zydeco music.

“People have asked us to keep the Freniere culture,” Pritchard said.

“When people hear the restaurant is in LaPlace, they picture strip malls, but once they hear of the location by the lake, there’s a lot of excitement.”

Bec’s at the Lake also pays homage to Becnel’s roots in the catering industry, offering a full catering menu to service weddings, conventions, company picnics and other events. The restaurant itself may also serve as a venue for hosting private events.

Becnel is proud that the restaurant has evolved into a full circle family business. When he was young and new to the food industry, Becnel worked alongside Pritchard and helped run his father’s business.

Today, he is opening a new business with life-long friend and partner Pritchard. His son, Holden, will work in the kitchen as Food and Beverage Director.

“I’m excited to open, and I’m ready to create smiles,” Becnel said.

“That’s really my passion, seeing people smile about their food.”

He and Pritchard expect large crowds opening weekend comprised of family and friends from St. John the Baptist, St. James, St. Charles and St. Bernard parishes.

Pritchard said Bec’s will be a family-friendly location that people can come to weekly for fun, affordable food and a relaxing atmosphere.

“I could see myself coming from near or far for this experience,” Pritchard said. “I see people who come here to fish stopping by as well. The village and the people have been so welcoming.”

Community support has already been great, according to Becnel. Local artists have donated artwork on almost a daily basis, and their colorful paintings now decorate the back wall of the restaurant.

To learn more about Bec’s at the Lake’s grand opening and view menus and music schedules, like their Facebook page or visit
becsatthelake.com.

— By Brooke Robichaux