Louisiana
Rouses takes over 10 former Winn-Dixie stores across Louisiana and Mississippi
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – When word came that Winn-Dixie was closing stores across the region, many in New Orleans East worried the grocery on Chef Menteur Highway would shutter, leaving a “food desert” for residents in the area.
But on Monday (Feb. 2), Rouses Markets held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the building, officially marking the transition from Winn-Dixie into something new.
“If anybody was to replace it, it would be Rouses. So, I’m excited,” one shopper told Fox 8.
Rouses Markets bought the location last November. It was a part of the company’s plan to buy up Winn-Dixie locations set for closure and turn them into new Rouses locations in markets and communities that didn’t already have a Rouses.
“If you only have one place to shop, you’re kinda stuck with whatever is available,” one shopper told Fox 8. “So now I have options and I’m taking advantage of it.”
In late 2025, Rouses announced the purchases of 10 Winn-Dixie locations:
- 9701 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans
- 4627 Westbank Expressway, Marrero
- 12519 Airline Highway, Suite A, Destrehan
- 2104 Williams Blvd., Kenner
- 70431 Highway 21, Covington
- 4100 Highway 59, Mandeville
- 731 Washington St., Franklinton
- 1803 LA Highway 3125, Gramercy
- 10974 Joor Rd., Baton Rouge
- 4400 Hardy St., Hattiesburg, MS
CEO Donny Rouse said the intention was to ensure communities could get quality food along with Rouses’ signature service.
“It’s fun seeing the customers’ appreciation for us, opening up and bringing all of the programs we have to the communities,” Rouse said.
Related coverage
- Rouses opens new location in New Orleans East food desert
- Rouses Markets to acquire 10 Winn-Dixie locations in Louisiana and Mississippi
Beyond the fresh food, business leaders applaud the new grocery stores as a move to ensure economic stability and growth in communities across the region.
“This is a Louisiana company, a Louisiana business that continues to invest in Louisiana,” Ray Gregson said.
Gregson is the CEO of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses in St. Charles, St. John and St. James parishes. He recently attended grand opening ceremonies for the new Rouses stores in Destrehan and Gramercy — both of which were former Winn-Dixie locations.
Gregson said he was glad to see that Rouses not only retained all Winn-Dixie employees in the takeover, but hired new staffers, too. Rouses said roughly 120 employees are employed at each new location.
“We’re doubling the workforce that we have at each store, so we can have the departments and the customer service that we want at Rouses,” Rouse said.
Gregson said he sees the investments in the new stores as a signal for other companies to set up nearby.
“I think it sends a message. It says, ‘Hey, look who just invested in the River Parishes,’” he said.
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Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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