It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Louisiana's Old State Capitol gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Baton Rouge, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am very happy and satisfied with the care and staff with Always Best Care.”
“Carol R. has been my dad’s caregiver over 6 months now and does a great”
“When my mom got sick and I was working - I didn't know where to”
“Shonda and her team at ABC have been a true lifeline for our family. They”
“I am a manager at a group home in Baton Rouge. Always Best”
“We are fairly new to Always Best Care, but couldn’t be happier with their services”
“Update on my review from a year ago: My feelings have not changed- Always Best”
“Always Best Care has provided us with a wonderful caring kind and dependable care”
“Always Best Care is a great company for caregiving in our community. Their processes are”
“Paula and her team are taking very good care of our family member.”
“Shonda Boudet and her team at Always Best Care of Baton Rouge have exceeded our”
“Shonda, I have had several people tell me how much better Aunt Susi is in”
“Always Best Care sitter Marilyn Beal is a blessing to the patients and families. She”
“Mrs. Erica Thomas and Mrs. Kelly Williams have been great caretakers. They both go above”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is providing excellent care for my mother at home and”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for. The administrative staff goes above”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful company to work for! I’ve had the opportunity to”
“Roshare Sylvester Is the best over here!! She’s been here for years,so helpful always so”
“The staff are simply amazing!! Roshare, and Jayde are one of a kind that does”
“My name is James and I'm a client of Best Care always best care. I”
“Our caregiver Chayne Waller is great with my husband. Thank you so much.”
“The team at Always Best Care provides quality care and took the time to ensure”
“HELLO…I AM NICHOLAS J TALBERT A DIS-ABLE VETERAN … THE CANCERS I HAVE BEEN GOING”
“Always Best Care has worked very hard with our family to provide what was needed”
“My attendance Ms. Karli has been a God sent to for me. I'm VERY SATISFIED”
“I am very happy and satisfied with the care and staff with Always Best Care. My caregiver Thelma Barnes is always here on time and arrives with a smile. She has become part of the family. Th office staff is great and always communicates with me well. If you ever need a caregiver please reach out to Always Best Care.”
“Carol R. has been my dad’s caregiver over 6 months now and does a great job! In addition to the assistance she provides with daily tasks Dad enjoys talking with her. Having her with him has improved his quality of life and given me peace of mind.”
“When my mom got sick and I was working - I didn't know where to turn. Always best care was the answer I was looking for. Their care givers are patient, kind, and very helpful! They call if anything is out of the ordinary. I can't recommend their services enough. Ms. Carol is currently looking after grandpa and she is an absolute angel. He has dementia and she just rolls with it. Don't know what we would do without her help. Please consider their services if you ever need it - but you can't have Carol! : )”
“Shonda and her team at ABC have been a true lifeline for our family. They have guided and supported us through the many challenges of providing care for our aging parent. From the beginning, the relief to have a trusted expert was phenomenal and a gift. Her compassionate and patient team helped us in so many crucial ways - Figuring out the right level of care, learning about the wonderful Oschner 65 program, and leading the assisted care facility evaluation process. We would’ve been completely overwhelmed without their capable and thoughtful guidance! If you are concerned and anxious about how to get the right care for your family member you should contact them.”
“I am a manager at a group home in Baton Rouge. Always Best Care has been providing additional homemaker services for one of my residents who is a veteran. Ebony has been his career giver for several months and she is fantastic! She takes such good care of my resident. We all look forward to Ebony coming to the home. Thank you Always Best Care.”
“We are fairly new to Always Best Care, but couldn’t be happier with their services and most importantly “Our Joanna”!!!! She has been a great fit with our family, is very patient and helpful, and most importantly is LOVED dearly by our Boston Terrier Lucy. We are entering new phases with the care that is needed in our family, and I feel very safe and confident with Joanna and the Always Best Care team in our journey now and for what’s to come.”
“Update on my review from a year ago: My feelings have not changed- Always Best Care has been wonderful. The journey of taking care of my dementia mother can be hard at times but our lovely caregivers Sherri and Monica are such a blessing. My advice to someone starting on this journey is to give it some time, not all caregivers are the right fit for your family member but when you find the right one(s).. they make an amazing difference. We’ve been using Always Best Care for about 5 months and all the people that have come into our home to help with my mother have had great. Our newest person, Sherry, is exceptional. My mother actually said “I had fun today.” I cannot tell you how happy those words made me. Thank you ABC!”
“Always Best Care has provided us with a wonderful caring kind and dependable care taker. Chevon has become part of the family in a short time. She jumped right in ready to help in any way she could. Thank you to Always Best Care and Chevon.”
“Always Best Care is a great company for caregiving in our community. Their processes are transparent as they provide a website so you can view your account 24/7. Jasmine D. was assigned to my father. Jasmine was a great fit for our family. She was very attentive and compassionate. She went above and beyond in the performance of her responsibilities. She helped navigate the transition to Hospice and the shift in the care plan. I enthusiastically recommend Jasmine and the staff at ABC.”
“Paula and her team are taking very good care of our family member.”
“Shonda Boudet and her team at Always Best Care of Baton Rouge have exceeded our expectations in every way. Their approach to caregiving is both compassionate and highly professional, making them stand out as the premier provider in the area.”
“Shonda, I have had several people tell me how much better Aunt Susi is in the last few days. I came back last night and visited her today and it was like night and day compared to how she was. I am very impressed with the changes since you and your team came on board. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care sitter Marilyn Beal is a blessing to the patients and families. She deserves to be commended on a job well done !”
“Mrs. Erica Thomas and Mrs. Kelly Williams have been great caretakers. They both go above and beyond their duties. Ms. Jessica, Ms. Claire and Ms. Salena all have visited my home and they all were very caring, very courteous and very professional. They all wanted me to have the best services possible. Ms. Rochelle and Ms. Jayde have been awesome as well. They are very courteous when I call the office with any questions or concerns. Thanks Always Best Care for everyone's continued support in giving me a better quality of life.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is providing excellent care for my mother at home and we have been very pleased with this company's service. Kelly is one of the kindest and hard working care providers that we have ever had in our home and my mother is very pleased with her. This company trains their workers well and follows up on their performance to ensure that all of the client's needs are met. It is very obvious that this company really cares about their clients and truly providing the best care for them.”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for. The administrative staff goes above and beyond to help our clients.”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful company to work for! I’ve had the opportunity to work in office with an amazing staff and out in the field with amazing clients! I’ve been a caregiver for Always best care for two years and I love this company! Looking forward to many more years with Always Best Care!”
“Roshare Sylvester Is the best over here!! She’s been here for years,so helpful always so sweet/understanding❤️she’s very respectful.‼️‼️”
“The staff are simply amazing!! Roshare, and Jayde are one of a kind that does fantastic teamw ork. This company is very reputable, and I can't be more proud to have gotten to meet these wonderful people on a personal level. These people truly care about their clients, and employees. I can honestly say that if I ever had a company , I'd truly want people like this to be running it. They're truly amazing, kind, loving, and has lots of patience, and compassion. I'd give them 10 stars, but unfortunately, it's only a 5 star rating.”
“My name is James and I'm a client of Best Care always best care. I have been inclined for a good while and since I've been a client I have received the best of care. My caregiver is Courtney and he is a blessing and has been a blessing to me. I am very satisfied with the service that he has rendered and I wouldn't trade him for nothing. I think Best Care for the courtesy and attention they have rendered to me and I'll continue to keep them in my prayers and for them to continue to render a good service to those of us who need it. I thank God for all of you and for Courtney keep up the good work God bless you.”
“Our caregiver Chayne Waller is great with my husband. Thank you so much.”
“The team at Always Best Care provides quality care and took the time to ensure that my mother has a caregiver that best suits her needs. Ms. Linda is punctual, exhibits professionalism, and takes initiative to ensure my mother is well taken care of. She has unique and effective ideas that make Mama's life easier. I hear her and Mama laughing and talking and it makes my heart swell. Ms. Linda and Always Best Care are a blessing!”
“HELLO…I AM NICHOLAS J TALBERT A DIS-ABLE VETERAN … THE CANCERS I HAVE BEEN GOING TO WAR WITH CAME EXTREMELY MORE MANAGEABLE ONCE I RECEIVED CARE FROM MZ FLETCHER I CANT BEGIN TO TEL ANYONE HOW BEST CARES TOP CAREGIVERS REALLY CARE …. THAT STATEMENT ALONE SPPEAKS VOLUMES …. THEY ACTUALLY DO ALL ALL ALL OF THERE DUTIES … LISTEN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN THE WAYS TO LET ONE KNOW ITS NOT JUST A JOB …. SOLDIERS IF ANY OF YOU ARE READY THIS …. BIG RED ONE ..(combat proven) 3RD HEARD FT RILEY KS. …. I SPEAK TRUTH MY CAREGIVERS FROM ALWAYS BEST CARE IS TOP NOTCH …. THE IMMEDIATE AND STAFF … THEY ACTUALLY RESPOND BACK IMMEDIATELY IM SIMPLY SAYING I DID NOT GO WRONG IN ALLOWING MZ FLETCHER AT ALWAYS BEST CARE UNDER MZ PAULA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS SOLDIER!!! BIG RED ONE SCOUTS OUT FA”
“Always Best Care has worked very hard with our family to provide what was needed to keep my mom at my home. Our Case Manager Paula checks in with us routinely to make sure our needs are being met. She found a special Angel named Paula Batiste to help me on Tuesday & Thursday. My husband & I look forward to her smile when she enters the door. Mom loves her. She is hard working & patient. I am confident when I run errands that mom is well taken care of. I don’t know what we would do without her. She is a member of our family now. ❤️❤️❤️”
“My attendance Ms. Karli has been a God sent to for me. I'm VERY SATISFIED with the service I receive. Ms. Karli Is a very CONSCIENCE PERSON. If you all have more employees as her I feel everyone would get this type of review. She ???? and know what to do with me not having to tell her. She would make a great supervisor for your company. Please give her a raise. Sincerely Your, Arthur J. Ford Sr.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Goodwood Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar or visit Magnolia Mound Plantation, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Baton Rouge, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Baton Rouge, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Baton Rouge, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Award given to annually to college basketball’s top shooting guardKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Chaz Lanier has been named the recipient of the Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s top shooting guard.the nation's BEST SHOOTING GUARDChaz Lanier is this year's recipient of the Jerry West Award, given by @Hoophall to the national Shooting Guard of the Yearread more → ...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Chaz Lanier has been named the recipient of the Jerry West Award, given annually to the nation’s top shooting guard.
the nation's BEST SHOOTING GUARDChaz Lanier is this year's recipient of the Jerry West Award, given by @Hoophall to the national Shooting Guard of the Yearread more → https://t.co/REXqgabkj9 pic.twitter.com/morUMW56KD
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) April 5, 2025
Lanier became the first Tennessee player to earn the award. Dalton Knecht earned the Julius Erving award a year ago as the nation’s top small forward.
Couldn't help but feel Deja vu when Chaz Lanier hit this three last night.It reminded me a lot of what another transfer did on Rocky Top last season ???? #Vols pic.twitter.com/E22jfVT8xd
— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) November 14, 2024
Lanier made 123 three-pointers in his lone season at Tennessee, setting a single-season program record.
"They just sit there and watch and they're like 'I don't even recognize that guy out there.'"The son of two Division I basketball players, Chaz Lanier's journey from North Florida to Tennessee has been fueled by the name on the back of his jersey. #Vols pic.twitter.com/s7PxW835wf
— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) December 23, 2024
His 17.8 points per game were the most by any Volunteer during the team’s run to a second-straight Elite 8.
Chaz Lanier, big advocate of feeding the floor. #Vols pic.twitter.com/99t0AOsewm
— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) February 1, 2025
The Nashville native was also named a Wooden All-American.
Copyright 2025 WVLT. All rights reserved.
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the model of Guy Fieri’s car that was spotted outside local restaurants. It was a Camaro, not a Corvette. 225 regrets the error.Taking a trip to Flavortown might just mean cruising on down Perkins Road. That’s right—beloved seafood joint Phil’s Oyster Bar is set to be featured on an episode of Food Network’s ...
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the model of Guy Fieri’s car that was spotted outside local restaurants. It was a Camaro, not a Corvette. 225 regrets the error.
Taking a trip to Flavortown might just mean cruising on down Perkins Road. That’s right—beloved seafood joint Phil’s Oyster Bar is set to be featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives this Friday, April 4. “There’s serious seafood in Baton Rouge, La., crossing Creole crawfish with cheesecake and (charbroiling) out-of-bounds oysters,” a synopsis of the episode teases.
Filming for the hit TV show took place in February ahead of Super Bowl LIX. Triple D star Guy Fieri and his candy-red Camaro were spotted around the Red Stick, creating buzz and speculations about which food spots would score some air time on the show. Along with Phil’s, Dempsey’s and Iverstine Butcher are set to appear in episodes in April, according to local news reports and a telling Instagram post by Dempsey’s.
And in May, episode descriptions found on Food Network’s TV schedule confirm at least two more Capital Region spots will appear on the show. Clues in the descriptions seem to point to Elsie’s Plate & Pie and Cou-Yon’s in Port Allen, though the restaurants could not confirm at press time.
“I think Baton Rouge has unbelievable restaurants,” says Anthony Piazza, owner of Phil’s. “In 2 square miles of our restaurant, there’s probably 10 restaurants that I think are fabulous. I think that people do discredit Baton Rouge compared to New Orleans. But there are a lot of great restaurants in Baton Rouge. There’s a lot of family-owned restaurants and people that have taken it to the next level.”
Piazza says when the restaurant got calls from a producer of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in early January, his team thought it was a joke. Turns out that the producer was the real deal. Piazza says he found out a regular was friends with Fieri and mentioned to the host that he needed to make a trip to Phil’s if he ever filmed in the Capital Region.
“And then the rest is history,” Piazza laughs. “So, what happens is: (Producers) talk to you about your menu, what you’re known for and items that you specialize in. Then, they look at your menu from what you tell them, and they narrow it down to five or six items. They send you the five or six items, and you have to send back the recipes. And then they pick two of them.”
Piazza says he hears that Fieri is very hands-on when it comes to picking dishes to feature on the show. The Phil’s segment in Friday’s episode will feature its iconic charbroiled oysters and crawfish cheesecake. The restaurant blocked out two days to film, which they hid from customers by announcing closures due to private events.
“People that obviously didn’t pay attention to social media just showed up,” Piazza says. “When they saw the red car, for the most part, they were very gracious about it. … The producers were great about it and said, ‘Look, man, eventually, when people see why you closed for two days, they will understand.’”
In addition to filming the making of oysters and savory cheesecakes in the kitchen, the episode will also feature segments with Piazza and Fieri, along with shots of regulars in the restaurant. Piazza says working with Fieri was a great experience.
“He had just lost his dad to cancer last year, and obviously I lost my dad 17 years ago. When they interview you, they ask you the story behind the restaurant. And when I told him my story, the first thing he said was, ‘Yeah, I heard about your dad, and I’m sorry to hear,’” Piazza says. “He told me about his dad, so we kind of connected on that. He was actually fantastic to me. He interacted a lot (with) the front end and the back of the house, too. He’s a very smart, witty guy. He’s got a very dry sense of humor and is extremely funny.”
Though Friday night’s premiere will be big for Phil’s, Piazza says he doesn’t plan to have a special viewing party for the episode, as it’ll be a busy Lenten Friday. He says he didn’t expect the episode to turn around so quickly but shares that customers may be able to catch it on a TV or two inside the restaurant. When asked about plans to watch his Food Network debut, Piazza shares that he hasn’t planned on how or when he’ll sit down to view the episode.
Throughout this experience, Piazza says he’s learned just how much of a loyal following Fieri and Triple D has. And while he’s not sure what to expect after the episode airs, he says he hopes it brings in some out-of-towners along with locals who haven’t ventured to Phil’s just yet.
But above all, Piazza hopes Phil’s national TV feature helps continue his father’s legacy.
“The biggest thing for me is that it gives (recognition) to my dad’s family business, which is something that he built, created and left to us,” Piazza says. “And it’s really great for Baton Rouge. My dad was a big Baton Rouge person. … I feel like in the last five or six years, we’ve stepped our game up and taken it to the next level. And I think he would be extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished—but I don’t think in his wildest dreams he would ever imagine Phil’s would have been on the Food Network.”
The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode featuring Phil’s Oyster Bar will air on Food Network this Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. Keep up with new episodes featuring Baton Rouge restaurants on the Food Network website.
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathon “Boogie” Long’s first name. 225 regrets the error.Fans of the blues and novice listeners alike can show their support and listen to live music all weekend at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the country. Head over to downtown Baton Rouge this Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6, to get the full experience of a...
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathon “Boogie” Long’s first name. 225 regrets the error.
Fans of the blues and novice listeners alike can show their support and listen to live music all weekend at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the country. Head over to downtown Baton Rouge this Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6, to get the full experience of all this free festival has to offer.
The event will host a plethora of musical artists throughout the weekend, as well as a Kids Corner, Kenny Neal’s Car Show, loads of food vendors, artist interviews, makers, merch and more. Check out the guide below to plan out your weekend visit to the festival.
Music will fill downtown from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening across four stages:
• Visit Baton Rouge Swamp Blues Stage at Galvez Plaza
• Chris Whittington Family LA 1 Stage outside the Shaw Center for the Arts
• Watermark Slim Harpo Stage at the intersection of Convention and Third streets, near the Watermark Hotel
• Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Front Porch Stage at North Boulevard Town Square, which will operate as an unplugged space for headliners and up-and-coming artists
Performances will kick off with a special Live After Five edition featuring Hanna PK, Jovin Webb and Jonathon “Boogie” Long. Other artists that attendees can expect to see throughout the weekend include Chris Thomas King, Kenny Neal, Cedric Burnside, THEBROSFRESH, Adia Victoria and many others.
“Honestly, everyone who’s on a Blues Fest stage is incredible,” says Lauren Lambert-Tompkins, executive director of the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and Foundation.
“Absolutely do not miss the Sunday jam at the end of the festival,” she adds.
The Blues Fest Jam will start at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at the Swamp Blues Stage. Many of the musicians will come onstage to play together. During the jam session, drinks at the bar will be half-price.
Satisfy your cravings with bites from over a dozen food vendors at the festival.
“We’ve got everything from Asian cuisine to Cajun, tacos, Mediterranean and boiled crawfish,” Lambert-Tompkins says. Food vendors include A & G Snack Shop on the Geaux, The Frying Station, Jake’s Tacos, Jambalaya by Shake, Chef Key’s Country Kitchen, Leroy’s Lip Smack’n Lemonade, Vel’s Mobile Cafe, AOK Caterer and more.
Food trucks will be set up on North Boulevard near the LA 1 Stage and the Front Porch Stage. Food tents will be set up near the River Center Branch Library and City Hall, facing the Swamp Blues stage.
Bar locations face the Swamp Blues Stage in Rhorer Plaza from Friday to Sunday. Another bar, known as Town Lawn, will be set up on North Boulevard under the large digital sign on Saturday and Sunday.
New to the fest this year, Kenny Neal’s Car Show will take place on North Boulevard in front of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol on Saturday, April 5. Neal, a blues legend and car enthusiast, will bring slick rides to downtown Baton Rouge.
“There’s a really big crossover between blues fans and antique car fans,” says Lambert-Tompkins. “Kenny’s got a few surprises up his sleeve.”
WRKF’s Behind the Blues: Musician Interviews, a hidden gem of the festival, according to Lambert-Tompkins, returns to the Baton Rouge Blues Fest this year.
Many local artists will be interviewed by the local NPR station on the second floor of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, and attendees are invited to listen in.
Musicians on the lineup include Chris LeBlanc, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Kenny Neal, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, Chris Thomas King and Hanna PK.
“Our mission as a foundation is to preserve these stories coming from swamp blues artists,” Lambert-Tompkins says. “Blues music is about the stories.”
The Humana Kids Corner, located near Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, will have many different family-friendly activities to keep attendees of all ages entertained. Kiddos can release some energy and embrace their competitive spirit on the GymFit Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course or try their hand at being a cowboy on an animatronic bull. For more laid-back activities, kids can ride a small train or make their own music at the instrument petting zoo on Saturday, April 5.
Dozens of makers and vendors will showcase their art for attendees to peruse between sets. The Circa 1857 Arts Market will be held in Galvez Plaza, behind the Swamp Blues Stage, to showcase local goods and vendors.
Merchandise from the Baton Rouge Blues Fest will also be available for purchase to help keep the festival free for all to attend. Blues Fest merch will be located off North Boulevard in the Town Lawn bar, under the digital signs.
Check out the Baton Rouge Blues Fest online here. Volunteers will be handing out festival guides throughout the weekend, so be sure to grab one to stay in the know about everything that’s going on.
BATON ROUGE, La. – ExxonMobil announced its plans to invest more than $100 million in facility upgrades to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol, a critical material for semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S.The facility is located at the company’s Baton Rouge Complex in the legacy chemical plant. The project will help retain existing jobs, create approximately 45 construction jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.“ExxonMobil has a storied history in Louisiana that goes far beyond its refining cap...
BATON ROUGE, La. – ExxonMobil announced its plans to invest more than $100 million in facility upgrades to produce high-purity isopropyl alcohol, a critical material for semiconductor chip manufacturing in the U.S.
The facility is located at the company’s Baton Rouge Complex in the legacy chemical plant. The project will help retain existing jobs, create approximately 45 construction jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.
“ExxonMobil has a storied history in Louisiana that goes far beyond its refining capabilities and reflects the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and impact,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Through the strengthening of the domestic supply chain, this upgrade is yet another example of how Louisiana is at the forefront of the American manufacturing renaissance. Thank you to ExxonMobil for its reinvestment in Louisiana, and we look forward to many more years of prosperity and partnership ahead.
Highly complex microchip manufacturing requires isopropyl alcohol with an extremely high purity level – 99.999% pure.
“We’ve been producing isopropyl alcohol at our Baton Rouge facility for more than 80 years,” said Kate Lightfoot, Baton Rouge Complex Chemical Plant Manager. “With this investment, we’re enhancing one of our legacy chemical products to meet growing demand in the tech industry.”
To support the project, the state of Louisiana offered ExxonMobil a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the Retention and Modernization Program, which provides manufacturers up to a 4% refundable tax credit of the amount of qualified expenditures. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.
“We’re delighted ExxonMobil is expanding its Baton Rouge operations by enhancing its isopropyl alcohol production,” Lori Melancon, President & CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, said. “Products made in the Baton Rouge Area go into the things that people around the world use each and every day. It is exciting to know that in the near future, the U.S.-manufactured microchips that will empower our daily lives get their start, in part, right here in Baton Rouge.”
Learn more about ExxonMobil’s isopropyl alcohol production here.
About LED Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Litten, LED Strategic Communications Editor [email protected] 225.342.4321
With three days left before a statewide vote on four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, Gov. Jeff Landry brought to Baton Rouge his statewide push to build support for one that is crucial to his agenda.In a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Lan...
With three days left before a statewide vote on four amendments to the Louisiana Constitution, Gov. Jeff Landry brought to Baton Rouge his statewide push to build support for one that is crucial to his agenda.
In a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Landry urged voters to support Amendment 2, part of his larger effort to rewrite Louisiana's tax laws. The pitch for the tax overhaul was the centerpiece of a wide-ranging speech in which he emphasized that Louisiana sits at an inflection point.
"Our opportunity, our moment in this state, is now, and it has been placed in your hands," Landry said.
If approved by voters Saturday, Amendment 2 would rewrite swathes of the part of the constitution that governs state taxes. It would lower the cap on the individual income tax rate from 4.75% to 3.75% — with seniors able to double their income tax deduction — put many tax exemptions in state law instead of the constitution, limit state spending increases and restructure government funds designated for specific purposes, such as health and education, by altering some and eliminating others entirely.
It would build into the state budget a temporary $2,000 teacher pay stipend approved by the Louisiana Legislature last year by liquidating three education trust funds.
"That amendment will lock in the reforms that will provide the largest tax cut in the history of this state, and it will be accompanied by fiscal reforms that will benefit this state for a long, long time," Landry said.
Landry has campaigned for the passage of the amendment around the state. He's made the case on radio shows, in newspaper editorials and in speeches to local groups. Notable advocacy organizations, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the Louisiana Association of Educators, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, have endorsed the amendment.
But the amendment faces opposition from both groups on the left and the right. Some conservatives argue that the changes would make it easier to remove tax breaks for churches, while some on the left have said spending caps would make it harder to fund education, transportation and other programs addressing residents' needs.
In response to criticism over tax breaks, Landry said the amendment would preserve the homestead exemption and the exemption for religious organizations.
"Now, I just signed the bill to put the Ten Commandments in school," he said. "You think I would do anything to harm our religious organizations in the state?"
In his speech, Landry called the election a defining moment for Louisiana. He said it's an opportunity for the state to escape its boom and bust cycles, if the people will permit the legislature and Landry himself to "continue the success."
"I know y'all not used to so much good news. Y'all are like shocked," Landry said. "That's the problem we have in this state. We got a group of people out there — they just don't know how to win."
225.614.8003
