Mariner’s Inn Restaurant and Bar, a beloved restaurant that has served the Hammond community for more than four decades, has closed its doors. 

The popular restaurant announced on Saturday, Feb. 14 that the business was shutting down, along with selling restaurant decor in an estate sale. The on-site estate sale took place Thursday, Feb. 19, through Saturday, Feb. 21. 

“Thank you for the years of loyalty, kindness and support you showed our family and our staff. We are deeply grateful for the memories made within these walls,” a statement released from the restaurant said.

According to the daughter of longtime owner Bruce Labrecque, Chelsea Kessenich, the decision to close was not based on specific factors. 

“I don’t think it was anything specific when we stepped back in 2024,” Kessenich said. “It was a multitude of things, like the economy and the loss of my dad. It was just the end of an era.”

For many, the walls of the establishment have provided more than just food and drinks, but a space where memories were made. Over the decades, friendships have been made and milestones were celebrated.

Originally, the restaurant was created by Dennis Downey and David Grest based on Port of Call in New Orleans. In 1982, Bruce Labrecque obtained the establishment.

“My dad moved here in the 70s and ended up working at Jellystone Park in Robert. He found his way to downtown Hammond and worked with Mariner’s and eventually bought it out from the other partners. He started simple with steaks and cocktails and started incorporating live music,” Kessenich said.

The welcoming environment has always been a known feature for many. For the owner’s family, the memories stretch into childhood. 

“When I was younger, my mom worked there. I would go in for her evening shift and sit at the bar. For every person that said a curse word, I would charge them a dollar. It got to the point they were writing blank checks – it was just funny,” Kessenich said.

Many longtime customers have also been sharing their favorite memories and dishes through stories or social media. While the restaurant offered many dishes, “kicking chicken” has been one dish in particular many customers said they will miss. 

“I enjoyed going there, shooting pool and meeting new people. I enjoyed the welcoming crowd and atmosphere,” said past customer and Hammond resident Daniel Netterville.

The Hammond community has always held a special place in the hearts of the owners and employees of the restaurant.

“Hammond as a whole is a college town, so it was always really important to us that students had a place to go that was affordable. My dad always tried to keep prices low, even if our food prices increased,” Kessenich said.

The strong connection between the restaurant and the community became noticeable after the owner’s passing. Loyal customers arranged a second line from Cate Street Park all the way to Mariner’s Inn in his honor.

Even in the last few days of operation, many showed support and love. The family left the community with a message of gratitude after closing their doors.  

“It’s not about the money, just the multitude of people who showed up and showed their support. The outpouring of love has been incredible,” Kessenich said.

As for the former building that housed Mariner’s Inn, a new restaurant will soon take its place. Ricky’s, a new restaurant, plans to open its doors as a bar and grill in the location. The Pink Agave also addressed rumors through their social media platforms, clarifying that the restaurant will not be opening a Hammond location.

“First, we are not opening a Pink Agave in Hammond. We understand the frustration around the saturation of Mexican restaurants in the area, and we want to be clear that we have no plans to open one there anytime soon,” said The Pink Agave through their Facebook platform. “What we are excited about, though, is our close friend Ricky’s is taking the next big step in his journey as a restaurant owner.” 

Even with the restaurant’s closure, the memories will endure. From live music to family dinners, Mariner’s Inn will continue to linger in the Hammond community forever.