How It Started
Owned & Operated Since 1995
In 2003, they saw an opportunity to extend their reach by purchasing Ray’s Grocery located on Short Vine Street in Opelousas, LA.
Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins is a beloved institution in Louisiana, with a history that reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship and the importance of community. The story begins in August 1995 when Billy and Patsy Frey purchased a convenience store and gas station in the small town of Krotz Springs, Louisiana. This establishment, known as Billy’s Mini Mart, originally offered the convenience of fuel and a diner. However, business started slow and in hopes of attracting more customers, they decided to incorporate boudin and cracklins into their offerings. This addition proved to be a success, especially after multiple first place wins at the Port Barre Cracklin Festival.
The company continued to grow in the subsequent years and in August 2011, they opened a new location in Scott, LA. It wasn’t long after opening the Scott store that Billy and Patsy realized that in order to keep up with the product demand from their three locations, they would need to build a production facility. That production facility was completed in 2015 in Port Barre, LA. In July 2019, Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins opened two new locations, one at Pont Des Mouton Rd in Lafayette off I-49 and another in Krotz Springs, LA which replaced the original location. Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins also ships products to customers all over the country.
As of today, Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins is rebuilding their store presence in Opelousas and employs over 150 people. Billy’s Boudin is more than just a business; it’s a testament to the power of community, hard work, and the irresistible appeal of good food. As they continue to expand, they remain committed to providing quality products to their loyal customers.