shop local
TWO ENTREPRENEURIAL FAMILIES are helping “corner” the market for fun in Olde Towne Slidell. For Gil and Sonia Valencia, it began when they opened Tacos & Beer on the northwest corner of Cousin and First Streets in 2009. Born in California, The Valencias moved to Slidell in 2006. “We decided California wasn’t the place to raise a family, so we moved here where relatives owned Mexican restaurants. I could see how much opportunity Olde Towne offered and knew it was the place to start building our future.” A few years later, Gil met caterer Patrick Heim through their sons’ football team. The two bonded over family values and a shared vision of further Olde Towne development. With a passion for all things food and drink, Patrick envisioned partnering with Gil to revitalize the property across First Street from Tacos & Beer. “We knew a craft beer driven theme would be perfect for this spot. When we took over The Brass Monkey in 2016, we offered 36 draught beers along with live music. We created the quintessential, neighborhood corner bar and hit a homerun.” East St. Tammany embraced both of the reimagined venues, repeatedly voting Tacos & Beer and The Brass Monkey as The Northshore’s Best. In 2018, Gil continued developing the area around those two initial establishments when the property a block down Cousin on the Carey Street corner became available. Gil says he resurrected the fire-damaged space into 80s-themed nightclub Electric Avenue, featuring DJ dance music, arcade games and karaoke, adding to the district’s entertainment options. “Olde Towne spans from Robert to Fremeaux and Second to Front Streets. There are restaurants, shops, professional offices and services like salons and fitness studios, a screen printer, pet services, attorneys, realtors – so many offerings. And many are Northshore’s Best winners. That growth and quality is fueling Olde Towne’s momentum. Slidell is the Northshore’s biggest city and deserves this area where residents proudly enjoy living, working and playing.” The fun-loving visionaries agree that working with their fellow businesses and the city are part of their formula for success. With Patrick as President of the Olde Towne Merchant’s Association, and Gil, Sonia and Patrick’s wife, Erika, 34 Sophisticated Woman | August - September 2022
also in leadership positions, one focus is creating events that engage their community and bring increasing visitors. Patrick adds, “Last year we organized the first Mardi Gras Day parade here with a family-focused, kids wagon parade. We thought we’d get maybe 30 participants, but 150 kids signed up. After, we had a street party with live music and vendors. Other events include Fourth of July fireworks, a White Linen art walk, and a crawfish cookoff. Our biggest event so far, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a huge draw and considered a top St. Pat’s event in Louisiana.” Born in the Empire State, Patrick says he’s long dreamed of replicating New York-style pizza here. In mid-2019, he and Gil realized that dream when the property across from The Brass Monkey became available. Patrick says, “I love corner businesses, and nothing screams ‘family’ like a pizza place. Tweaking the recipe to compensate for the humidity here and having to take out a door to move in that huge brick oven were challenges, but we overcame the obstacles to make it authentic and delicious. When the fourth corner of Cousin and First came available, Gil jumped on that. He took over and freshened up The Soda Shop - which was an institution here - and added miniature golf for the kids.” Following suit of their other endeavors, both the pizza and soda shops’ quality and family-friendly vibe have earned them The Northshore’s Best title. The latest addition to the pair’s entrepreneurial adventures is Whiskey and Ashe, an upscale cigar bar offering gourmet spirits and smokes. While not on a corner, it is conveniently located right next to Olde Towne Pizza Company and offers accoutrements including member lockers and a comfy back patio. With no plans to slow down, their next project is slated to be a live music venue. Whatever the theme, Patrick reiterates Gil’s and his philosophy. “We still have much to do, but we’re working hard on making this community thrive. We want to get the word out about how much this area offers and the importance of working, playing and shopping local so we can keep building on the momentum we’ve created.”
