In September of 1969, Harold Legaux Sr. along with his wife Mary Belle opened Harold and Belle’s. It had been a dream theirs to have a place where friends and family from back home (New Orleans) would gather, talk about old times, shoot pool and just socialize. The 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 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 Étouffée and Clam Chowder. He even offered Filé Gumbo every day of the week. In 1984, Harold and Denise brought in partners Al and Sue Honoré. Together they expanded the restaurant from 12 tables to 35 dining tables and tripled the size of the kitchen.

During 2008-2009, the restaurant experienced many changes. The predatory lending in the South Los Angeles community caused many longtime community members and customers to lose not only their livelihoods but also their homes. The restaurant saw sales drop by over 40% during this time. However, the biggest blow came when Harold was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he and wife Denise were forced to step away from the business they loved. Partners Al & Sue also stepped away from the business during this time leaving the fate of the restaurant uncertain. 3 rd generation husband and wife Ryan & Jessica, who already had an active role in the business decided to take on the challenge and keep Harold & Belle’s from closing its doors for good.

In 2011 after a 2-year battle with cancer, Harold passed away. Ryan & Jessica were determined to save their family business and keep the doors open for the community. They were able to secure funding which allowed them to purchase the business, retain and create more jobs and to remodel the existing restaurant which was long overdue.

Together Ryan and Jessica have expanded the brand of Harold & Belle’s through various avenues. These include their Food Trailer which operates for private events, Fairs & Festivals. Harold & Belle’s To-Geaux, a quick service concept with the Anaheim location coming soon. Geaux Plant- Based, their take on vegan New Orleans cuisine. They have also included a new Private dining area for up to 30 people as well as a state-of-the-art private event space known as “The Peacock Lounge”. Ryan, Jessica and you’ll still catch our Matriarch Denise around from time to time, are all determined to hold a space in the community where we can gather and celebrate all of life’s occasions even the day-to-day fellowship of breaking bread together. Laissez les bon temps rouler!