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EDGARD — Opening soon at 1973 Highway 18, Edgard Original Daiquiri Depot Bar and Grill is a place for the West Bank community to kick back, have a drink and relax.

The newly renovated 5,000 square foot facility features seven TVs to watch the big game, a pool table, three video poker machines, a jukebox, an ATM machine, and an exclusive VIP area for special occasions. In addition to a wide selection of daiquiris, the barroom will also feature a full-service kitchen serving up hot wings, hamburgers and daily lunch specials on weekdays.

Edgard Original Daiquiri Depot Bar and Grill will be open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday and Wednesday and from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. Owners Wilton and Elaine Bailey look forward to introducing something new for the community to enjoy.

The new business is located next to East Sixth Street in Edgard, where Wilton Bailey was born and raised. Bailey moved away for a few years after getting married, but he found himself drawn back home. He built his house in Edgard and has remained there ever since, staying firmly planted in his roots while raising three children who went on to attend college and find success in their respective careers.

Edgard Original Daiquiri Depot Bar and Grill is Bailey’s seventh local business, located at the site of the former Boobie’s Food Store Number 2. Through the years, Bailey also operated Boobie’s Food Store Number 1 in Lucy, Gill’s Restaurant, Odyssey in LaPlace, Boobie’s Fried Chicken in Boutte and Smoking Lamp in Edgard.

Boobie’s Food Store in Edgard closed around seven years ago. Shortly after, Bailey suffered a stroke, and he needed to drive his attention to a new goal to keep his mind and body sharp.

“After I had the stroke, I had to do something. You never stop working because you know what happens if you stop. I was a contractor and businessman before, so I went back to renovating this building and got it into shape,” Bailey said.

The renovation was a labor of love that stretched four years as Bailey completed all of the sheetrock and flooring by himself. Hurricane Ida presented some setbacks, blowing one side of the roof off. Having to replace insulation, ceiling tile and some of the lights wasn’t enough to stop Bailey from seeing his vision come to life.

According to Bailey, the most rewarding part of operating a barroom is watching people have fun in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe.

“I think this will be good for the community. There’s nothing on the West Bank, and we need something over here. I come from here. I like this area, and I want to keep this area growing,” Bailey said. “There are a lot of good people here, and we all want the same thing. We want something nice. That’s why people strive to do something for the West Bank.”

Edgard Original Daiquiri Depot Bar and Grill is the first business Elaine Bailey is opening with her husband. Originally from St. Charles Parish, Bailey has grown to love the Edgard community, which she described as a blend of beautiful history, beautiful homes and beautiful people.

“I’m excited to have a chance to open up a new business in this area because people in this community don’t have access to a daiquiri shop. They have to go far out to get a drink and relax instead of staying in their own little neighborhood. I’m excited about meeting all the nice people in this community,” Elaine Bailey said.

Whether someone is a longtime friend or a stranger, Elaine Bailey said it’s important to treat every customer like family.

“When you address someone, you want to make them feel good and welcome. That’s who I am. I love to give back to the community,” she said.

Wilton Bailey said Edgard Original Daiquiri Depot Bar and Grill will be open to customers ages 21 and up.

“If we have some problems with the younger people, we will raise it to 35. As long as people respect what they have, we will be here for ages 21 and up,” Bailey said.

The Baileys plan to incorporate a separate entrance to the building where customers under 21 can pick up hamburgers, wings and lunch specials for takeout.