In the middle of Baton Rouge, on Jefferson Highway, there is a place that quietly and consistently shows up for this community every single day. Bergeron’s City Market is more than a market or a lunch spot. It is the continuation of a lifelong relationship with food, hospitality, and Louisiana culture led by Chef Don Bergeron.

Chef Don’s story begins in Belle Rose, Louisiana, in his Grand-Ma Tute’s kitchen when he was just five years old. What started as childhood curiosity grew into a forty year culinary career rooted in tradition, creativity, and service. Over the years, he has built a reputation in Baton Rouge not just as a chef, but as someone who understands what people need around their table. That same commitment carries through in Bergeron’s Catering, where events across the region reflect his signature style of thoughtful execution and genuine care.

Bergeron’s City Market was created because Chef Don recognized something important. Families are busy. Schedules are full. But people still want food that feels homemade, meaningful, and connected to Louisiana roots. When he opened his prepared foods concept years ago, it was about giving the community chef driven meals that were ready when they walked through the door. Today, that mission is still the heartbeat of the market.

During Lent, that heartbeat feels even stronger. In South Louisiana, Lent is not just a season. It is a rhythm. Fridays mean seafood. Gatherings revolve around meatless meals. Traditions matter. Bergeron’s makes honoring those traditions easy and delicious.

The hot line regularly features Lent favorites like fried catfish, fried shrimp, shrimp étouffée served over rice, crawfish scampi, crab and brie soup, and crabmeat and eggplant casserole. For those who prefer something simple, a veggie plate with three homestyle sides offers a comforting option that still feels satisfying. Sides like okra and tomatoes, cheesy smashed potatoes, vegetable blends, rice, and fresh salads round out the plate in true Louisiana fashion.

If cooking at home is part of your Lent routine, the coolers and freezers are filled with options that make it effortless. Fresh selections often include shrimp and mirliton casserole, broccoli cheddar rice casserole, stoneground grits, and tomato basil soup. The freezer cases read like a collection of Louisiana classics ready to heat and serve, from seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée to shrimp creole, crab and eggplant casserole, and spinach Madeline. Whether you need a quick Friday dinner or want to stock up for the weeks ahead, it is all there waiting.

What makes it special is not just the variety. It is the consistency. The doors are open six days a week. Lunch and dinner are ready when you walk in. The shelves are stocked with house made items and thoughtful touches. Many days, you will find Chef Don himself serving food or checking in with guests. That presence matters. It reminds you that this is not a chain or a concept built somewhere else. It is local. It is personal. It is part of Baton Rouge.

Bergeron’s City Market continues to serve as a gathering place, a solution for busy families, and a trusted stop during seasons like Lent when food carries even deeper meaning. In a city that values tradition and community, it is comforting to know there is a place that understands both.

When you are planning your next Lent Friday meal, hosting family, or simply need something good and ready at the end of a long day, they are there. Still serving. Still creating. Still feeding Baton Rouge with the same passion that began in a small kitchen in Belle Rose all those years ago.

Photos from Bergeron's Facebook