Nidal Balbeisi is attempting to conquer the world the way all great tacticians do, through its belly. First he seduces you at Zeus, his Mid-Eastern flagship restaurant, with delectable baba ghanoush. Then he makes his halumi sandwiches as quick and convenient as the ubiquitous burger at his Zeus-to-go drive thru. Next, he brainwashes you with mind-bending margaritas at his Mexican cantina, Agave. Now, he’s planning the coup de gras with his newest culinary adventure, Italian fusion, at Trynd Café and Night Club. The location? Last week, Balbeisi bought Stan’s laid back lunch and high octane disco club, located in the former Masonic Temple on Vermilion Street.
That acquisition marks the fourth restaurant location for Balbeisi in Lafayette’s dynamic downtown. Zeus on Jefferson has been franchised. But Agave, across from Parc Sans Souci, and now Trynd both occupy important anchor locations in the heart of the entertainment district. Balbeisi also owns another building, currently boarded up, next door to Sadie’s on Jefferson. He plans to move the Stan’s concept — burgers, plate lunches, salads and my favorite, a fried chicken club, along with the name, onto Jefferson. The Stan’s menu will continue at the Vermilion location through Dec. 31, and the club will host a New Year’s Eve bash before shutting down for renovations.
... written by Julie Calzone , November 24, 2009 - 01:08 pm
The residents hope that this location does not turn into another lat night noise disturbance issue like Agave.
... written by Caitlin , November 24, 2009 - 04:20 pm
The real question is - will we still be able to get the Stan's cheeseburger??
... written by Bros , November 24, 2009 - 05:11 pm
In my experience, Zeus downtown and Agave are noisy, with very mediocre food. I know a number of women who have worked for this fellow and his minions, and most of them left disgusted. I personally do not eat at these establishments and am sad to see this expansion.
... written by Solutions? , November 24, 2009 - 05:52 pm
He is a womaniser and so are his minions.
... written by phil , November 25, 2009 - 12:50 pm
So he's gonna move the STANS restraunt onto Jefferson Street and keep the name even though STAN is not affiliated with it.I dont know him only what I've heard from others and seen first hand.Dont mislead the public by claiming to be what your not.Stan Lerielle is a generous individual and will be missed downtown,Nidal not so much.
... written by War Bunny , November 25, 2009 - 01:39 pm
Balbeisi food and business practices are pretty bad. He puts on a similing face but is not to be trusted.
... written by CajunLady , November 25, 2009 - 04:08 pm
It is typical that when a good person succeeds, other have to bad mouth them. I know first-hand that he is a good person with a big heart. Agave and Zeus Downtown are loud, along with all of the other bars and clubs that the downtown area are known for, and the residents do visit. As for a womanizer...apparently you do not know who you are talking about. Do not point fingers unless your own hands are clean! Stan Lerielle is still at Stans until it closes for rennovations. It is quite disheartening to see how people gossip when they do not even have their facts straight.
... written by Ashlee T , November 25, 2009 - 04:09 pm
I am soooo excited about it all! At least Stans will be able to go out in style. I cannot wait for Trynd!! Congrats!
... written by noah , November 25, 2009 - 04:11 pm
I enjoy spending time down town and I always like seeing new places come up. Agave is one of my favorites.
... written by fishNman , November 25, 2009 - 04:12 pm
cant wait to try it out
... written by ragincajunfan , November 25, 2009 - 04:29 pm
I have met them and they are always very nice, polite and hospitable. I have been to Agave many times and its always fun. I am anxious to see how their next ventures go...as they all have become successful, and managed to become my favorites! I wish the best of luck to them!
... written by randi , November 25, 2009 - 05:04 pm
i'm glad downtown keeps expanding. we are heading to agave tonight! :)
... written by Love Food , November 25, 2009 - 06:15 pm
I am excited to see someone finally bringing quality food to downtown, he has done great with all his restaurant. Now we don't have to fight all the restaurants in Ambasador Caffery we can just come to downtown. I would love to see him open Chinese restaurant. Me and all my families will continue supporting your business.
... written by Scott M , November 25, 2009 - 06:22 pm
Good going I hope it will be fun like Agave
... written by jgeezy , November 25, 2009 - 07:56 pm
I love the idea!!! Agave has become such a great restaurant that I can only imagine what they are going to do next. U know u will always have a good time around "the brothers"!!!!!!
... written by Cajungunny , November 25, 2009 - 08:01 pm
I can't wait to take my wife out to eat at Trynd and then go dancing afterwards. We always have the best time at Agave so we know we will definetly enjoy the new addition.
... written by Cajungirlie , November 25, 2009 - 08:04 pm
The Balbesi's are one of the nicest people I have ever met. I am so happy for them. Downtown needs to be recognized for what it has to offer and they are doing exactly that. Keep up the great work!!!
... written by Hot Mama!!! , November 25, 2009 - 08:06 pm
So does that mean there will be an awesome New Year's Eve party to welcome in the new year and Trynd???!!!! Can't Wait!!!
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , November 25, 2009 - 08:09 pm
How appropiate to hang his FEZ in the Masonic Lodge, AH, a Tubullah Burger !!!!!!!!!!
... written by Gene Broussard , November 25, 2009 - 09:20 pm
I have known Nidal since long before he came to Lafayette. He was at a restaurant in Baton Rouge. He is friendly to the point of effervescent. Some may confuse this with being a womanizer. Yes tghe other brothers are like that also. As are many guys from the universe. That does not make them bad or evil. As for the food, some locations are better than others. He has taken big chances and thus far been successful. He is an Arab from Jordan and his business practices may not be what some like but that also does not make him necessarily bad. So, those who just say bad things should be sure they are not just jealous.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , November 27, 2009 - 02:53 pm
THE FOODS O.K. it just all tastes the same, it has alot to do with the middle eastern seasoning/spices used, ya can't tell the "ENCHILDAS" ,from the "HUMMUS". But, its fine for those whose only taste is in their mouth !! AHEM .
... written by sassieal , November 28, 2009 - 12:47 am
I am so excited about Trynd!!!!!!!!!!!! I personally know the Balbeisi's very well and it is very sad to see so many people hate on those who are successful. I feel very sorry for them. This will be a great addition to downtown. Not only is the food great but the people are the best! and one more thing to the Balbeisi's don't worry about those who are talking bad they are just JEALOUS! I love yall
... written by M. Leblanc , November 28, 2009 - 10:43 am
Hitler had his fans too.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , November 28, 2009 - 03:17 pm
THE BALBEISI'S are only doing what the locals have lost interest in doing, """THATS, FOLLOWING THE AMERICAN DREAM """. SHEEEEET, they are as guilty of dreaming the same dream as the "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS", and as guilty of working their asses off to achieve their dream!! OH!!! EXCUSE MOI, BALBEIS'S, DAS FROM "IOWA". EH ?
"EVERYBODY, LOVES A WINNER"""! AND LOVE TO RUB SHOULDERS WITH A WINNER", hoping that STARDUST RUBS OFF ON THEM !
... written by Bros , December 02, 2009 - 06:49 pm
My point is this: the food is mediocre and the atmosphere is loud. I had to literally yell in order to have a conversation with my wife at Zeus. Many women who have worked in these places have left horrified.
At Zeus's, I asked the waitress about the volume of the music, and she said that it's always a problem, but that her boss yells at her if she tries to change it. Her boss then proceeded to take his djembe of the wall and play an obnoxious drum solo in the middle of the restaurant, which was even louder than the music. We left without even ordering appetizers.
In my experience, these places are not hip or trendy--just sleazy.
... written by Cajun337 , November 23, 2010 - 02:39 pm
I'm excited to see the concept completed and open. Hearing that the top is no longer a 'club' but a lounge definitely had my attention. Finally, a place downtown to get away from the drunken underage club hoppers and excessively loud music.
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