TULSA, Okla. — Local restaurants and businesses are asking for community support during this tough time.
Flavors of Louisiana is cooking up eight generations of Cajun family recipes.
“We do everything by the book, the way that they did it when my grandmother was around and my great grandmother was around," said Amanda Gibson, owner of Flavors of Louisiana. "We cook everything slow and low and we try to make sure that every bit has some love in it.”
The restaurant is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Gibson said they’re doing less than 10 percent of what they usually do in food sales. She’s had to lay off about 90 percent of her staff, leaving just three employees left.
“It’s been hard on me," Gibson said. "It’s been hard on my employees. We’re doing the best that we can to keep it light and jovial, but I’ve always told my employees that I’ll take care of you guys no matter what.”
The employees feel the same toward Gibson. When asked what she’s most worried about, manager Summer Davis didn’t say herself.
“It’s really stressful because our boss, she’s like a mom to us," Davis said. "She’s not like an owner, she’s like a mom to all of us here. She has a family at home, so I more worry about not really myself, but how she’s going to take care of her family because she takes care of us.”
Both said the restaurant is like a family. Gibson said she is hoping to support all of her employees and help them pay rent and bills. Davis said she’s not sure what will happen if they have to close down.
“It’ll be hard for me to go out and find another job that I enjoy," Davis said. "I enjoy this one, so it will just take, like, mentally it will be really really hard on me because I’m not going to find a job that’s like this one anywhere else.”
Gibson said she’s worried about the long-term effects this will have on all businesses. She wants to keep Tulsa, Tulsa. She urges others to do the same.
“Do your part to support Tulsa," Gibson said. "Do your part to shop locally and try to give your support to every mom and pop shop that you know of. Because, without your support, we’re not going to thrive and then, when this is all over with, we’re not going to have our favorite places to eat anymore.”
Flavors of Louisiana is located near 61st and Lewis. They do to-go orders and are starting delivery soon.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
