By Grant Bevins on January 1, 2026
When Steven and Lacie Perrot opened The Gumbo Shop Chico, they brought more than Southern food to the community—they brought Southern heart. What began as a dream rooted in Steven’s Louisiana upbringing has quickly become one of Chico’s most talked‑about new culinary experiences.
Steven grew up below New Orleans, surrounded by the flavors, sounds, and traditions of Cajun country. A professionally trained fine‑dining chef with more than two decades of experience, he spent years mastering classical techniques, opening restaurants for others, and consulting for hospitality businesses.
But it wasn’t until he and Lacie began imagining a business of their own that everything came full circle. Blending family recipes, formal training, and deep cultural pride, Steven created a menu centered on authentic Cajun dishes—gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and more.
Their best‑seller? Steven’s grandmother’s gumbo, prepared exactly as he remembers it from childhood.
Although The Gumbo Shop Chico launched only a few months ago, it didn’t take long for the community to take notice. Their very first pop‑up market event sold out—even with customers insisting on buying the food cold when a power issue hit.
Within weeks, a local craft distillery invited Steven and Lacie to become their in‑house food partner. The venue’s rustic Louisiana‑style atmosphere turned out to be a perfect match.
Today, repeat customers, word of mouth, and a growing fan base are fueling their momentum.
Beyond sharing Cajun culture, Steven and Lacie made community service a core part of their mission. They proudly partner with the Black Resiliency Project to cook and donate large batches of gumbo and red beans to residents in need.
For Steven, the philosophy is simple: “In Louisiana, nobody goes hungry if we can help it.” Now that he can help, he does.
The Perrots’ path to The Gumbo Shop is shaped by perseverance. Years earlier, the family lost their home in the 2018 Camp Fire after relocating to Paradise. Rebuilding from the ground up taught them the value of community, connection, and purpose.
With three children now growing up in Chico, Steven and Lacie wanted to build something meaningful—something that added joy, flavor, and togetherness to the place they call home.
Chico’s food scene has plenty of familiar favorites, but not much that mirrors the deep, soulful cooking of the Southern coast. That’s why The Gumbo Shop Chico stands out:
Their bold flavors are new to Chico, and the community has embraced them wholeheartedly.
To make their meals more accessible, the Perrots currently offer 10% off to‑go orders and plan to introduce student and military discounts in the near future. Their goal is simple: encourage people to try something different and feel at home the moment they walk in.
Ask Steven what he loves most about Chico, and his answer comes quickly: the people. After experiencing firsthand how Chico rallied together in the aftermath of the Camp Fire, he knew this was a place worth giving back to.
That spirit is reflected in both the food and the business. Every bowl, every conversation, every returning customer reinforces the connection they’ve built.
While Steven pours his soul into cooking, he also brings discipline and focus from another part of his life: martial arts. A sixth‑degree black belt in Aikijutsu, he teaches both adults and children—something that shapes his leadership and his commitment to community.
The Gumbo Shop Chico is still young, but its direction is promising. Steven and Lacie hope to continue steady growth, deepen their roots in the community, and eventually serve even more people seeking comfort, culture, and great food.
“We’re thankful for every person who gives us a chance,” Steven says. “When you dine with us, we promise an experience you can’t find anywhere else in town.”
Local businesses thrive when they lead with authenticity, and that’s exactly what The Gumbo Shop Chico brings to the table. With heartfelt hospitality, rich Cajun flavors, and a mission centered on service, the Perrots are helping shape the next chapter of Chico’s food scene—one bowl of gumbo at a time.
2420 Park Ave. Chico, CA 95928
Website: www.thegumboshopchico.com
Phone: 530-487-2214
Email: thegumboshopchico@gmail.com
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