Our History
In September of 1969, Harold LegauxSr. along with his wife Mary Belle opened Harold and Belle’s. It had been a dream of Harold’s to have a place where friends and family from back home (New Orleans) would gather, talk about old times, shoot pool and just socialize. His kitchen was small and the menu consisted of Po-Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans & Rice and Filé Gumbo served only on Fridays.
After the passing of Harold Sr. in 1979, Harold Jr. and his wife Denise took over ownership and operation of the restaurant. Unlike his father, who enjoyed the pool playing and bar atmosphere, the younger Harold preferred a finer dining experience with linen tablecloths and candlelight. Having a passion for cooking, Harold Jr. introduced several new items to the menu including his version of Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and Clam Chowder. He even offered Filé Gumbo every day. In 1984, Harold and Denise brought in partners Al and Sue Honore. Together they expanded the restaurant from 12 tables to 35 dining tables and tripled the size of the kitchen. In 2011 Harold Jr. passed away.
The restaurant is now owned and operated by 3rd generation husband and wife team Ryan & Jessica Legaux. Together Ryan and Jessica have expanded the brand of Harold & Belle’s through various avenues. These include their food trailer, Harold & Belle’s To Geaux, as well as the packaging of Harold & Belle’s Creole Seasoning. They have also completed construction on a new state of the art private dining room as well as a 60 seated/ 80 standing banquet room, The Peacock Lounge. Ryan and Jessica strive to create a special experience in the community recognizing the growth and changes to the Jefferson Park and Crenshaw Communities doing their part to contribute.