Shreveport-Bossier, LA – December 19, 2024
Chef Damien “Chapeaux” Chapman, owner of the historic Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café, will represent Shreveport-Bossier during the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. As Louisiana celebrates 2025 as the Year of Food, Chef Chapman will showcase the culture, flavor, and soul of Shreveport-Bossier on the national stage.
The Louisiana Office of Tourism’s float, themed “Louisiana Saturday Night”, will highlight the state’s culinary and cultural richness. “Orlandeaux’s embodies the flavor, style, and soul of Shreveport-Bossier,” said Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “Chef Chapeaux not only honors 103 years of family traditions but creates a sense of community that embodies what our area is all about. He is an incredible ambassador for Shreveport-Bossier, sharing our story with every meal.”
A Legacy of History and Culture
Founded in 1921 during the segregation era, Orlandeaux’s began as Freeman and Harris Café, a welcoming space for Black patrons to enjoy traditional Southern dishes. Over five generations of family ownership, the restaurant evolved, adopting new names to honor its legacy, from Pete Harris Café to Brother’s Seafood, and now Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café. The restaurant remains a beacon of Black history and heritage, having served as a hub for civil rights discussions and hosting meetings with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. between 1958 and 1962.
“Orlandeaux’s has always been more than a restaurant; it is a piece of Shreveport-Bossier’s history and a celebration of our culture,” said Chef Damien Chapman. “Representing our community at the Rose Parade is an honor, and we’re proud to share the flavors and stories that have defined us for over a century.”
Iconic Cuisine: Shreveport-Style Stuffed Shrimp
Known for its authentic Creole and Southern cuisine, Orlandeaux’s menu features a dish deeply rooted in local tradition: Shreveport-Style Stuffed Shrimp. These large, well-seasoned shrimp are stuffed with crab meat, deep-fried to perfection, and paired with Creole tartar sauce. This timeless recipe, a customer favorite for generations, tells the story of Shreveport-Bossier’s culinary heritage with every bite.
Chef Chapman: A Champion for Culture and Community
Chef Damien “Chapeaux” Chapman is deeply committed to preserving Shreveport-Bossier’s culture and history. A graduate of Southern University, he is active in organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and the Knights of Peter Claver Catholic Fraternal Order. As the 2024-2025 Silver King of the Krewe of Harambee, Chef Chapman continues to celebrate and uplift the area’s vibrant culture.
Louisiana’s Rose Parade Legacy
Louisiana’s float, featuring a crowned alligator carrying a Cajun dance hall and seafood pots, will highlight the state’s unique culture. Decorated with all-natural materials, the float will join the parade, which attracts 700,000 in-person spectators and over 50 million TV viewers worldwide.
The Rose Parade, a platform for cultural celebration, has earned Louisiana awards such as the Wrigley Legacy Award (2022) and the Showmanship Award (2024). Chef Chapman’s participation amplifies Shreveport-Bossier’s voice during this iconic event.
For those watching from home, the parade will be streamed online. Visit here for details.