Allen Rochelle and Anthony Beckham Open Le Fleur de Lis Restaurant in Bronzeville

Starting a new business can be daunting. And given our current recession, one would wonder why someone would take a chance on opening a restaurant in an economically depressed community? Allen Rochelle and his business partner, Anthony Beckham, hope that opening Le Fleur de Lis in Bronzeville will be the type of stimulus the area needs to turn things around for the neighborhood and its residents. –tony binns

What differentiates your food from other Creole or Cajun restaurants in Chicago?

We offer authentic Louisiana Creole food while other restaurants in Chicago offer mostly Cajun fare. … Creole food … is not limited to New Orleans. We have the entire flavor palate of Louisiana and being a native of southwestern Louisiana gives me that distinct background in my cooking. This is what separates us.

What qualities do you think it takes to make a successful business, particularly a restaurant, given the current economic situation?

In this economic climate you got to have consistency.  That is the biggest thing.  People want to always come in and taste the same food each time they come in.

As the former Negro League Café, what will you do differently to turn this eatery and area around?

I think in general just embracing the community, [and] letting them know we are here and we are here for the long haul. Embracing them in the sense that we want to hire from the community, and continue to make a difference in the community. We [want to reach] out from a community service standpoint, so that [people] feel our presence at all times.

For more information about Le Fleur de Lis Restaurant, please visit

www.lefleurdelischicago.com