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B U S I N E S S a pleased and loyal customer base. This reputation for offering the freshest fish coupled with customary New Orleans and Cajun delicacies has paved the way for the newest addition of Pat’s to open and thrive on Highway 21. Ralph, growing up in the business, introduced his wife, Lisa (Melancon) Patrick, a native of Covington, to the seafood industry early on in their marriage. At first she learned from afar, as Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in French with a Master’s degree in Administration, as well as her teaching certifications, and was busy building a career as a teacher. With the birth of the couple’s first child, Lisa switched her focus to raise a growing family. Lisa and Ralph have four children, and Pat’s Seafood is definitely a family affair. Currently, their oldest son, Connor, works with and manages the business daily and encouraged his mother to grow Pat’s in a way that was out-of-the-box. Always able to rise to the occasion, Lisa thought about where she would like to bring the business, both in locale and to give it a fresh energy. Enter the new location on Highway 21 … Lisa used all of the knowledge gained throughout the years from front-of-the-house service to kitchen and cooking know-how to ordering fish and even boiling seafood! She wanted the new store to be a reflection of her open and inviting personality – and it sure delivers. Lisa went into this venture with a specific aesthetic in mind – the custom penny tile flooring and glass fish cases did the trick. This new shop looks like a market straight out of New Orleans. The fragrant aroma of homemade gumbo and bisque fill the space and more often than not, customers are friends and neighbors enjoying each other’s company while being waited on by the friendly staff. Also, Lisa intended for this arm of Pat’s Seafood to delve deeper into the catering aspect of the business. The galley style kitchen turns out
Lisa Patrick PAT’S SEAFOOD
The Covington area is fortunate to be home to certain local businesses
delicious menus tailored to customers’ needs and events. The new shop has a daily poboy menu of fried seafood and other grilled options, as well as all of the deli items valued Pat’s customers know and bring home to their family tables. Lisa in her own words, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the
that make this historic town unique and all our own. Pat’s Seafood is counted
community in two locations in the same town. I love waiting on customers and
among those institutions lending its quality, expertise and charm. Pat’s, a true
building relationships. I’ve watched kids grow up through the years returning
neighborhood seafood market, is rooted in community and continues to offer
as adults, shopping for themselves and their families.” She continues, “This
personalized service and traditional dishes that are pure nostalgia.
[seafood] is a happy industry and I feel humbled to have learned this trade and
Began on the Southshore in the 1960s by the Patrick family, Pat’s is an
excited to present all that Pat’s Seafood has to offer to a community that I feel
authentic legacy business with the second and third generations of Patrick family
so connected to.” In meeting or knowing this hometown girl, Lisa Patrick, be
members at the helm. Ralph Patrick took his cues from his father and opened his
assured you have a friend for life, welcoming all with a warm smile and sense
own Pat’s Seafood store on Collins Boulevard 32 years ago and has maintained
of place – right here in Covington.
Visit Pat’s Seafood at its newest location at 70456 Highway 21, in Covington, Monday through Saturday, 985-400-5800. May-June 2021 77
