Bear Creek Enterprises, Montpelier, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
File submitted by Mrs. Inez Bridges Tate and prepared by D.N. Pardue
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From publication "Old Montpelier, 1804, New Montpelier, 1904" 
compiled by Inez B. Tate and published by St. Helena Historical
Association, 1993.  Reprinted with permission.

     Today's 86,000 square feet enterprise started with a very

small store that W.B. King built for Ione to "have something to do"

when we went into the horse-trading business in 1965.  Bored and

looking for a challenge after retiring from the dairy business,

W.B. started with a small western-wear clothing for "those

who would come to horse-trade".  Ever the one to try to meet the

needs of the customers, he ordered wider boots (EE and EEE).  He

was hasseled by the suppliers for asking for such, but finally had

his orders filled and business boomed.  He continued to expand the

western store as his business increased until it reached its pre-

sent size.

     Since many customers came from New Orleans as well as other

areas some distance away, he recognized the need for a restaurant

since there was no place to eat in Montpelier.  It took W.B., son

Chris and Henry Pitts two years to complete the building.  To ac-

hieve the desired effect of the Western look, he trucked stones in

from Arkansas for the outer walls and used cedar trees for the out-

side posts.  The lumber for the inside walls and ceiling came from

five abandoned homes and the floor is a mixture of flagstone and

concrete.  Bear Creek Steakhouse opened in March, 1974, and fast

became known for serving choice steaks.  W.B. says customers

will return for a good steak.

     The "Supper Club" back of the steak house can seat 600 people.

Many well-known country and western singers have performed here to

a packed house.  This attracts folks from miles away to see their

favorite singer "in person".

     Daughters Linda and Melba manage the Western Store and due to

declining health, W.B. and Ione have sold the restaurant to Douglas

LaGroue.  He has the steakhouse and supper club.

     W.B. King seem to intuitively know the business that would

succeed and through much hard work in many long hours saw his dream

become reality.  He has been the driving force behind Bear Creek

Enterprises.

Sources:  "Western Outfitters" - 1977; "Morning Advocate" - Nov. 17, 1985
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