Jacob’s World Famous Andouille sets sights on next 90 years
Published 12:20 am Wednesday, June 27, 2018
- Heather, Aaron and Holly Lions are part of generations four and five that have made Jacob’s World Famous Andouille an institution in St. John the Baptist Parish and beyond since 1928.
LAPLACE — The history of Jacob’s World Famous Andouille dates back to 1928, when Nelson and Camille Jacob, known locally as Bragger and Mam-Bragger, began selling homemade hats, clothing and smoked Andouille in the front yard of their Milesville home.
Five generations and 90 years later, Jacob’s Andouille is thriving at 505 W. Airline Highway, holding down LaPlace’s reputation as the Andouille Capital of the World.
Owner Aaron Lions, a fourth generation family member, started making Andouille at 10 years old. His grandfather, Henry “Diddy” Jacob, would come to his bedside early in the morning, pull him out of bed and lead him to the smokehouse.
Aaron took a different approach with his daughters, encouraging them to pursue a college education before taking the reins of the family tradition.
Holly Lions, 24, studies public relations at Southeastern Louisiana University. She and sister Heather, a 21-year-old Delgado student, help with store paperwork when they aren’t busy with classes.
Jacob’s World Famous Andouille is thriving at 505 W. Airline Highway after 90 years and five generations of history.
“We’re still in the process of learning what my dad learned when he was younger,” Holly said, adding she and her sister are brainstorming ideas to ensure Jacob’s sees another 90 years.
“Our first plan is to redo our website. It’s old and outdated, so we want to make it more user friendly to place online orders while keeping the same nostalgic feeling.”
Along with the website comes a push toward social media, including a new Jacob’s World Famous Andouille Facebook page to feature coupons and trivia questions.
Additionally, Holly wants to make the community aware of delivery options for LaPlace residents without transportation.
Amid technological and service enhancements, Holly and Aaron said Jacob’s Andouille and smoked meats would never sway from its roots.
“We’re keeping the product 100 percent how it is,” Aaron said. “It’s the same old fashioned Andouille that we keep consistent every time by using a recipe. It’s the same little barn on Airline Highway. We’re just turning it over to the new generation.”
Gabrielle Rodriguez places sausage on the scale at Jacob’s.
Aaron’s mother, Mary Ann, cared for the store long past her retirement, and he plans to do the same.
“As long as I’m alive, I won’t walk away from the business,” Aaron said. “This is our livelihood.”
According to Holly, the family is in the early stages of planning at 90-year anniversary celebration. It’s likely Jacob’s World Famous Andouille will participate in the 45th annual Andouille Festival in October, she said.
During the inaugural Andouille Festival, all three first place winners used Jacob’s Andouille in their top-notch recipes.
It’s one of many ties Jacob’s maintains to greater LaPlace.
Jacob’s World Famous Andouille is seen during its 75th anniversary celebration 15 years ago.
“I think it’s good that we’re still in the family,” Holly said.
“People know my dad. Some still ask for my grandmother. It’s good to have that networking at a local level.”
People have come to recognize Jacob’s flavor as leaner and smoky in taste compared to other brands, according to Aaron. Shipments have gone as far as Hong Kong, and Aaron thanks the community for unwavering loyalty.
Store hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Those interested in joining the Jacob’s World Famous Andouille team should call 985-652-9080 or stop by the store for an application.
