Meet Heidi Stampley of Orleans Brews and Beignets in Fayetteville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Stampley.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our cafe was born out of a love and passion for serving and cooking Creole food. Both of our families are from Louisiana but my family (Heidi) in particular was very influential in the Creole recipes that we are offering to our customers. Beignets are one of my favorite things to eat when back in New Orleans and also a favorite of millions of people that have visited Cafe Du Monde in the French Market of New Orleans, the place where it started in the 1800’s. When I had the idea to open the cafe, I had no idea the demand locally for Beignets and Chicory coffee. We did a soft opening and didn’t advertise and we still had lines our first week open. It’s a joy to see people so excited to try for the first time or have a memory brought back from their visits to New Orleans. It such a great feeling. The original concept expanded quickly when we decided we wanted to offer Coke products and the representative came to visit our space during our build out. She told us we needed to serve more food on the menu to get Coca-Cola to partner with us. It was a quick and easy decision since we had been cooking Creole food to friends and family for years. Our Annual Christmas Party, A Creole Christmas, had become a staple for our friends every year and when we didn’t do it last year it was a serious let down. The cafe has become an extension of our love for Creole Food and an extension of the Creole heritage I grew up on from my grandmother’s recipes. As the oldest granddaughter, it’s a great honor to perpetuate the legacy. My children are being trained to grow and eventually take over this family business one day. It is a great blessing.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. The first contractors we hired to complete our build out ran off with our money and didn’t complete the job. The job that was supposed to take 6 weeks, took nearly 5 months. When we finally did get it completed we has set backs with approvals and permits and it just felt like we had a bricks on our shoulders.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Orleans Brews and Beignets story. Tell us more about the business.
We are proud to be a family business and that we are building a legacy for our children. Our cafe has been a haven for many people, so we are told with its calming and homey atmosphere. It’s a great feeling to know we are a happy place for people, not just for great food but for friendly service and a soothing atmosphere. We like to say it feels like home. Seeing folks come often and sit on our couch for hours and share and laugh over great food and Coffee, is pretty awesome.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
We like to say we are blessed.

Contact Info:

• Address: 749 W. Lanier Ave. #134
  Fayetteville, 30214
• Website: Www.orleansbrewsandbeignets.com
• Phone: 77062o5706
• Instagram: @OrleansBrewsandBeignets
• Facebook: @OrleansBrewsandBeignets
• Yelp: Orleans Brews and Beignets

Image Credit:
Heidi Stampley

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