WESTLAKE, La. (KPLC) - Hurricane Laura left deep scars across southwest Louisiana, destroying homes, neighborhoods, and local businesses.
In Westlake, one small restaurant is finally reopening its doors, bringing back a sense of normalcy and community spirit.
Claude Rigmaiden, owner of Heaven on Earth BBQ & Seafood since 2012, shares how important it was to rebuild after the storm.
“67% of my building was destroyed. I promised my dad before he passed, I was going to keep his legacy going,” Rigmaiden said.
When Hurricane Laura swept through Westlake in 2020, it left Heaven on Earth BBQ and Seafood in pieces.
It was the first time the building had sat empty since opening in 1991, for five years, a quiet reminder of what was lost.
Rigmaiden continued to share what moments happened after