In hopes of growing his brand, Ian Vaughn, University alumnus and owner of Lava Cantina in Perkins Rowe, plans to expand his dining franchise to downtown Baton Rouge in the near future.
Vaughn has bought out Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, Schlitz and Giggles and Roux House, all on 3rd Street in downtown Baton Rouge. Lucy’s will become Lava Cantina’s second Baton Rouge location, while Roux House will turn into Repeal 33, a new ‘20s themed restaurant.
For now, Schlitz and Giggles will continue to operate as is, though it will also double as a training space for Vaughn’s new employees.
“We are excited [and] thankful for the opportunity and will uphold our responsibility and deliver,” Vaughn said.
Lava Cantina offers a host of fusion Mexican cuisine in an upbeat, hard rock-themed setting. Although Vaughn now ventures into downtown territory, he said Lava Cantina will continue to operate regularly.
With his new restaurants, Vaughn hopes to breathe new life into the downtown scene by bringing in a ‘20s flare with Repeal 33, a Prohibition-themed restaurant. After researching the historic building, he was inspired to create a jazzy, turn-of-the-century hotspot.
“Pairing this beautiful historic landmark with a 1920’s theme would be a nice ode to the 1920’s and downtown,” Vaughn said.
To give his new restaurant an old school touch, Vaughn said he plans to incorporate a patio with a smoked meat grill, themed uniforms for the staff and old movies playing on television screens. The bar will still serve festive drinks like spiked milkshakes, he said.
He plans to hold an annual Cinco De Mayo style celebration on Dec. 5 to commemorate the Prohibition repeal in 1933.
The grand opening for Repeal 33 is projected to take place within the next three months, Vaughn said.
Lucy’s is being transformed into Lava Cantina’s second local spot. Vaughn said the full transition should take four to five weeks.
As a former college student, Vaughn wants to ensure he opens each restaurant with students in mind. The restaurants will provide bar services after 10 p.m. and operate until 2 a.m., with live bands playing in the background.
Vaughn said he looks forward to expanding his brand to the downtown area.
“It’s going to be a very different type of thing.” Vaughn said “I don’t want anyone to walk in and say it’s similar to anything. I want it to be a one of a kind spot for the downtown area.”

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Semaj Atkinson

Within the next three months, Roux House on Third Street will turn into Repeal 33, a Prohibition-style bar and restaurant.