Iconic Rayne café remembered during ‘history field trip’

Gone was the long counter and the strong smell of coffee brewing on the stove, but the temporary “re-opening” of Paco’s Saturday morning was a memorable event for many.
Hosted by local historian Tony Olinger, the event was held in the building in the 200 block of South Adams Avenue originally occupied by Paco’s — actually named “People’s Café” — for 53 years.
Marie Broussard, a former employee, recounted some of her experiences working at the long-time Rayne café while photos of Louis “Paco” Borne reminded visitors of the iconic figure.
As part of the “history field trip,” Olinger asked that anyone that thought they could reproduce Paco’s “famous” biscuits submit samples for judging.
Four entries were submitted.
As it turned out, Paco’s grandson and namesake, Louis Borne, was the winner, as decided by a panel of judges comprised of B.I. Moody III, Fair Craig Hash, Andrus Fontenot, Milton Pharr and Donald Petitjean.
The younger Borne also recounted some of his experiences at the restaurant, noting that “this was the first time I ever entered the building through the front door.”
Borne said he always came in through the kitchen and, most of the time, was greeted by the site of his grandfather bent over the “island” in the back making biscuits.
Many of the guests also recounted their most memorable experiences at the restaurant.
The program closed with the airing of a 15-minute audio interview with Paco Borne conducted in the mid-1980s by Sidney Stutes, another local historian.
Following the playing of the interview, guests were invited to enjoy coffee and biscuits.
Olinger said he was pleased with the turnout for the event and is hoping to have other Rayne “history field trips” in the future.