Hard Work Pays Off for Restauranteur
Nidal Balbeisi
by: Megan Wyatt
“Things happen for a reason. Just believe.” These are the seven words etched on a plaque hanging on the outdoor patio of Agave Mexican Grill and Cantina behind a man as he shares his story of unsurpassed success.
He first worked as a dishwashing assistant, presently owns and manages four very different types of restaurants, and turns bathrooms into intricate works of art. His name is Nidal Balbeisi and in just seven years he has changed the restaurant dynamic in Acadiana and has set the bar for both fine and fun dining.
Although he is best known for his seven Zeus Greek and Lebanese Cafés spread throughout Lafayette, Balbeisi has recently ventured into newer territory.
Balbeisi opened Agave Mexican Grill and Cantina in August 2007 after eyeing the property for years.
“I have always loved it from day one,” Balbeisi says. “I actually wanted Zeus in this building, but it didn’t work out. Later things happened, I looked at it and thought Mexican. The location is perfect. I love this location.”
Located across the street from Parc Sans Souci, Agave serves as the perfect prequel or sequel to many downtown festivals and events like Downtown Alive and Artwalk. The menu showcases steak and seafood in addition to flavor-packed Mexican cuisine. Even on the steamiest of Lafayette evenings, Agave’s patio is packed with people unwinding with margaritas and live music.
“I love that it’s a landmark,” Balbeisi says. “I personally love to come here. I love to bring my kids, watching the fountains and festivals. Even if it wasn’t mine, it would still be one of my favorite places.”
“Collage is a concept we developed to meet a business need,” Balbeisi explained. “Jefferson Street is such a high volume area. Collage was developed to take care of 10 to 20 people in an office who all want something different. Each can find something they want. It also caters for night crowds after drinking… It’s a place people can go before driving home.”
Trynd is Balbeisi’s latest endeavor, located across the street from Agave in the old Stan’s Nightclub building. The first phase of Trynd, a stunning nightclub and martini/wine bar with unique light fixtures, elaborate art, and comfy seating, is now open on the second floor of the building. The second phase is a fine Italian restaurant set to open on the bottom floor in late September or early October of 2010. Balbeisi said the menu will consist of Northern and Southern Italian dishes along with seasonal fish and vegetables and whatever else is “trendy.”
With this kind of success in Lafayette, Balbeisi has also been spreading Zeus beyond the Acadiana region. Lake Charles and Carencro locations are currently being constructed, and Balbeisi is looking for property in Houston.
Zeus’ success wasn’t instant, however. After opening his original location on Pinhook, Balbeisi opened a location in New Iberia that closed relatively quickly because of construction on a bridge that rerouted traffic away from his restaurant. This didn’t deter Balbeisi in the least. Conversely, he became determined to expand Zeus while paying better attention to location.
“Though I now have several successful locations,” Balbeisi said with a smile, “The Pinhook location will always be my favorite. My heart will always be with that one.”
In just seven years’ time Balbeisi has satisfied the stomachs and entered the hearts of Lafayette residents. From time to time, he can even be found bussing tables and washing dishes in his own restaurants.
“I love being on the floor,” Balbeisi says. “People appreciate when you’re right there with the people. I started as a dishwasher assistant, not even a dishwasher. I love everything about the kitchen.”
While working toward his architecture degree, Balbeisi found himself 10 times happier when waiting tables at his job than he did any other time because he loves being around people.
“I cannot say how much I’m grateful for the people in Lafayette,” Balbeisi says. “I always say they are truly my big family. Without them we could never be here. There’s a lot of hardworking people who don’t get appreciated. Lafayette appreciates our hard work, and I just want to say thank you.”