It was once conventional wisdom in business that bigger was better.  Economies of scale weren’t just preferable, they were inevitable, like a law of nature. 

But, while big-box stores and corporate franchises do have advantages in cost and efficiency, small businesses are proving they can thrive by leaning into their niches. 

Take Le-Grenadier, a cocktail lounge in downtown Lafayette where quality and atmosphere reign supreme. Owner Mia Stanford doesn’t just serve drinks—she creates experiences, crafting cocktails with premium ingredients, fresh-squeezed juices, and handmade bitters. 

A St. Landry Parish native with a background in hotel and restaurant management, Mia spent years in the spirits industry before opening her own bar. She envisioned a cozy, intimate space where patrons savor their drinks, not just consume them. 

Open only four nights a week and serving around 300 guests weekly, Le-Grenadier is a far cry from a high-volume bar churning out quick mixed drinks. Instead, Mia crafts vibe—sometimes even locking the door when the space reaches the perfect crowd. 

Mia's approach aligns with broader industry trends— the U.S. craft spirits market was valued at over $14 billion in recent years and continues to grow as consumers seek more artisanal and high-quality drinking experiences. 

A cocktail may be a cure for what ails your spirit. For other maladies, you might need a prescription. And despite the rise of big drug stores, there’s still a lot to be gained from getting your meds at a neighborhood pharmacy, like Soileau’s Pharmacy in New Iberia.  

Neighborhood pharmacies buck the high-volume model and instead rely on customer satisfaction and loyalty. With that in mind, Tala Bui and her husband, Hai, bought Soileau’s in New Iberia in 2024, carrying on its tradition of exceptional service.

A pharmacist by trade, Tala had worked in large retail chains like Walmart before stepping into ownership. Unlike big-name pharmacies that process thousands of prescriptions daily with little patient interaction, Soileau’s prides itself on being a true community pharmacy. 

Independent pharmacies like Soileau’s account for about 30% of all retail pharmacy locations in the U.S., but their overall prescription sales market share is closer to 15%, compared to giants like CVS and Walgreens, which dominate the industry. CVS alone controls about 25% of the U.S. prescription drug market. Neighborhood pharmacies nevertheless remain vital, offering patient-centered care that stands out in the healthcare industry writ large. 

Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.