Starting fresh and making a new identity for a restaurant can make or break a business, but The Overpass Merchant is flourishing in its location on Perkins Road.
The Overpass Merchant replaced beloved Zee Zee Gardens to take on its own identity in the food industry about three months ago. Owners Lon Marchand and Nick Hufft were eager to take on the challenge.
To start, the newly renovated space needed a new name.
The Overpass Merchant’s name originated in a unique way, Marchand said.
Marchand’s name roughly translates to merchant. The building is located in the Perkins Road Historic Merchant’s District and is also under the overpass. Marchand and Hufft agreed that the restaurant’s name was “a natural fit.”
The restaurant opened not too long ago but has just finished its final touches.
As for the food itself, The Overpass Merchant needed to set itself apart from the many restaurants and bars filling Baton Rouge. Owners Marchand and Hufft said they accomplish that by introducing shareable meals.
“I think it’s a very social setting,” Marchand said. “We have a variety of small plates, a few entrees and daily specials. I think the best way to go about our menu is to order as a group and keep it shareable. We are also really looking forward to people trying our Sunday brunch, which we think will be a fun experience.”
The restaurant’s lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches, the “meatball hero” and the Overpass Merchant’s burger. For dinner, the restaurant’s options include shrimp tacos, hot chicken and pork steam buns.
Let’s not forget about brunch. There is a biscuit menu that can be paired with a few more traditional brunch plates, Marchand said.
As for the future of the restaurant, the plan is simple.
“We just want to provide good food and drinks to our customers and add to the great neighborhoods that surround us,” Marchand said. “If we can do that, I’ll consider this a success.”

Gallery • 4 Photos

Emily Brauner

New Gastropub, The Overpass Merchant, takes over Zee Zee Gardens' location at 2901 Perkins Road.