Local seafood favorite expands operations, preserving Westbank tradition and creating jobs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026
(MARRERO, La.) – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Home Bank joined community leaders and partners to celebrate the expansion of Lefort’s Seafood in Jefferson Parish on Wednesday. The longtime Westbank seafood market, well known for its fresh, local offerings, opened a second location in Marrero, marking a major win for the family-owned business and the growth of Jefferson Parish’s robust seafood industry.
The new restaurant operates from the former site of Sal’s Seafood, a beloved local seafood destination that had operated from the same building for more than four decades. Through the acquisition and redevelopment of the property, Lefort’s Seafood continues the legacy of a historic seafood location while growing its own brand and reaching new customers.
The project was made possible through a partnership between JEDCO and Home Bank. Lefort’s Seafood’s $565,000 property acquisition was financed through a structure similar to the SBA 504 loan program. The expansion retained seven existing jobs and created three new positions, with nearly 50 employees now working across Lefort’s Seafood’s two locations.
This project is a great example of how strategic partnerships can help local businesses grow and continue serving their communities,” said Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of JEDCO. “Lefort’s Seafood is a beloved local brand, and we were proud to work with Home Bank to support this expansion. Investments like this strengthen Jefferson Parish’s small business community, create jobs, and keep our commercial corridors vibrant.
Home Bank is proud to support Lefort’s Seafood as they continue building their Westbank legacy. Partnering with JEDCO on this project helps ensure a local favorite stays part of Jefferson Parish while creating new opportunities for the community,
Chris Braud, Home Bank New Orleans Market President.
Founded in 2004 by Jody Lefort, Lefort’s Seafood began as a modest operation after years of selling fresh seafood roadside from the back of a truck. The seafood market quickly built a loyal following thanks to its authentic boils and family recipes.
In 2020, after his father’s passing, Brandon Lefort took over the business and made the decision to carry on the family business. The opportunity to acquire the former Sal’s Seafood property allowed Lefort’s to expand operations, add much-needed restaurant space, and carry on the seafood tradition associated with the location.
Lefort’s has always been about family, community, and supporting our local fishing industry,” said Brandon Lefort, owner of Lefort’s Seafood. “I had been looking to expand the business for some time and while I located several viable options across the region, something always drew me back to the Westbank. When the opportunity came up to purchase this building, it felt like the right way to grow while honoring a place that means a lot to both my family and the residents here. With the help of Home Bank and JEDCO, we were able to make that vision a reality.
Lefort’s Seafood offers a wide selection of live, fresh, and prepared seafood dishes along with Southern Louisiana favorites such as red beans, gumbo, and jambalaya. The restaurant serves only domestic seafood products, including Lake Des Allemands catfish, Gulf shrimp, and locally sourced crabs and crawfish.
Jefferson Parish leaders say the project highlights the importance of supporting locally owned businesses that contribute to the region’s culture and economy.
Seafood and hospitality are part of the identity of Jefferson Parish,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “Lefort’s expansion represents the kind of homegrown success story we love to see, an established local business investing in our community, supporting our seafood industry, and creating new opportunities for residents.
District 2 Councilman Deano Bonano noted that the investment also helps maintain activity in a well-known commercial location in Marrero.
This building has been a gathering place for seafood lovers for many years, and it’s exciting to see that tradition continue with Lefort’s,” said Councilman Deano Bonano. “The Lefort family’s commitment to the Westbank and to our local seafood industry makes this expansion especially meaningful for the community.
The new location allows Lefort’s Seafood to expand its production capacity and serve more customers while continuing to source seafood directly from Louisiana fishermen. Situated near the heart of the state’s fishing industry, the business can obtain fresh seafood from local suppliers within minutes of the restaurant’s doors.
The project also involved partnerships with several Louisiana-based companies, including Fearless Construction (Marrero), High Performance Cookers (Covington), Louisiana Best Seafood (Harahan), Bergeron’s Seafood (Livonia), Sysco Foods, and Coca-Cola Bottling.
Lefort’s Seafood is located at 1512 Barataria Blvd. in Marreo. It is open seven days a week with varying hours of operation. CLICK HERE for the Lefort’s Seafood menu.
About JEDCO:
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is the economic development organization for the parish with the main objective of attracting, growing, and creating new business in the area. JEDCO’s mission is to proactively influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, and investment in Jefferson Parish. Located in the growing Churchill Technology & Business Park, JEDCO supports the Jefferson Parish economy through its award-winning economic development services program and a dynamic small business financing arm. Since inception, JEDCO has attracted global brands to the community, including T. Parker Host, Sleep Number, Bunge, and US Foods in recent years. The organization has generated millions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs in Jefferson Parish. For more information, visit JEDCO.org. Follow us on:
About Home Bank:
Home Bank is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing exceptional banking services to individuals, families, and businesses. With a rich history of over 117 years, Home Bank locations span across South Louisiana, Western Mississippi, and the Houston, Texas metro area. Home Bank is committed to fostering financial well-being and empowering their customers to achieve their financial goals through their personalized guidance and service. For more information, visit www.home24bank.com. Member FDIC.