The Levee Grill
Whether you’re coming from right down the road or a ways away, The Levee Grill is a place to expect friendly, familiar faces reflecting onto the glimmering surface of the bayou. VA N EL I S R I V ER A
K E L LY M O O R E C L A R K
BAYOU E ATS
P
erched at the intersection of River Landing and Levee Drive in Monroe, The Levee Grill holds the promise of a place that invites relaxation from its scenic view. Yet, this cozy eatery isn’t just relying on the serene, natural beauty of Bayou Desiard to keep hungry guests in their seats. Owner Jon Gimber has curated a space and menu inspired by his enriching experiences with food and his staunch resolve to “take care of people” by way of his passion. Gimber grew up “all over Louisiana,” he says. Food has always been a presence in his life, starting from his upbringing. Coming from a big family meant that meals were substantial and, most importantly, that everyone had a hand in their preparation. Finding cooking for large parties a fulfilling endeavor, his family began a catering company. “We would cook for big things like Mardi Gras and parties,” he says. Wanting to further enhance his standing in the food industry, Gimber started a barbecue restaurant in Bossier City, though he later left it to take some time away from the restaurant business. Five years ago, he jumped back into what came naturally to him, owning Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats in West Monroe until COVID-19 hit. “And then, [I] bought the Levee Grill and took over the day the COVID restrictions hit,” informs Gimber with a chuckle and a wistful “Yeah.” From the first day he took over, Levee Grill had to shut the doors and become a to-go establishment, like many others nationwide. Unquestionably challenging, Gimber is proud of how his team rolled up their sleeves and adapted to the new normal. “We worked hard, you know, learned a lot about it, and kind of had a completely new model,” he says. Even after pandemic protocols shifted, they eased into the changes, from the reinstatement of outdoor seating to the return of indoor dining with social distancing guidelines. The joining of a restaurant and community is what inspired Gimber to invest his expertise into the waterside establishment. He kept his approach simple: good food, reliable catering, and a cool place. “It’s just a great place that people can come unwind a little bit. People can bring in their family and have a good meal,”
86 FEBRUARY 2022 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
