Driving down Perkins Road long enough will reveal Chelsea’s bright neon sign peaking above the overpass, almost as if its raising a rock salute to the city. The sign acts as a beacon for musicians, poets, Ph.D students, science junkies,or people who just love grilled cheese.
Perhaps Chelsea’s local air paired with its di- verse offerings lift its brand into popular appeal.
Remetter said he owes it all to the food.
“That’s our bread and butter,” Remetter said. “Everyone loves the grilled cheese.”
It might be something more intangible, something that can’t be filled with cheese and grilled. Chelsea’s had a history for being a haven for local musicians even before it was raising its neon fist above Perkins. The original Chelsea’s stood on West State Street now occupied by the College Row Shopping Center, a place where present-day students gorge on sushi and binge on coffee.
Remetter says he and his staff enjoyed music, so they would turn to friends and bands from the neighboring State Street to help draw a crowd for the young restaurant.
Since its inception in 1987, Chelsea’s changed ownership twice before ending up in the hands of the current owner Dave Remmetter in 1999. In 2006, Remmetter relocated Chelsea’s to its present spot on Perkins.
B.U.G., a Monroe, La. based band, spoke highly of their experience at Chelsea’s. Joe Ford, B.U.G.’s vocalist, said that it was one of the best shows they’ve ever played.
“Whoever was running the soundboard that night was fantastic,” Ford said.
The band even received a recording of their live performance from Chelsea’s afterwards.
“They were really cool and helpful,” Ford said. Non-music fans can enjoy what Chelsea’s has to offer in the back room. From dissertations, poetry, or monthly lectures from LSU Science Cafe that covers local science issues and topics, Chelsea’s serves up many after dark options to its patrons.
Chelsea’s strives to fulfill Baton Rouge’s cravings: be it food, entertainment, or hobbies with more to come in the future according to the owner. Know- ing this, the neon sign that resembles a fist might just be rebellious gesture to a bland night in Baton Rouge. That goal in itself may be all it took for Baton Rouge residents to make Chelsea’s a local staple.
