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There is this quaint little coffee shop on Jefferson Highway across
the street from Capital Heights smack dab in the heart of Mid City.
I first met Gabby Loubiere about 5 or 6 years ago as I ventured
inside. She had a toddler on one hip and another "bun" in the oven
and was schlepping coffee, bagels, and muffins like it was nobody's
business. I was amazed at her energy. I am still amazed at her
energy, work ethic, no-nonsense personality and openness, that
attracts so many customers on any given day. She is here nearly
every day from open to close, a rare commodity for a business owner
these days, and for the last two years has been churning out her
signature cake balls that have a hard time staying on the shelves.
She has also had a lot of help into turning it into the charming and
inviting place that it is. I have seen her and this shop evolve into
nothing short of a neighborhood hangout that is worthy of this
month's Mid City Spotlight, so my light shines on BREW- HA- HA for
the month of May.
JE: What made you want to open up a coffee shop? Was it always
something you wanted to do? Tell me how you arrived at this venture.
GL: The idea was brought to me & although I'd never considered a
coffee shop…I figured "why not"? I'd been in the service industry
for 10 years & loved it….and I LOVE coffee!
 JE: Why in
Mid-City?
GL: Mrs. Nell Fetzer that owned Goodwood Village wanted a coffee
shop in the shopping center. I love this area & thought a coffee
shop would do well.
JE: Do you drink a lot of coffee?
GL: I used to drink a ton, but not really so much anymore. One a day
at least! But I do love the way it smells ;)
JE: So there was a time when you weren't sure whether you were going
to sell the shop or venture forward. What was it that made you want
to keep the shop?
GL: When my manager of 5 years, Stacy Hennessey decided to move on
to other things….I considered selling. I didn't know if I could
handle the store alone having 2 little girls. I was in the store
working a ton because she was gone and I realized how much I totally
LOVE it! I have the greatest customers!
JE:Tell the readers about the new improved Brew Ha Ha and what you
have going on now?
GL:I've been so fortunate to have a great store and great
customers…but then I realized that to be successful I have to be
here! People like to see the owner. We're like one big happy family!
JE:Now about those cake balls…..let's hear the story behind those.
GL: I Started making Red Velvet balls about 2 years ago & then
thought "well heck, you could make these in any flavor"….it has just
erupted since then! It's so fun coming up with new flavors & I love
when my customers/friends give me suggestions for new flavors. We
really have fun with it! Most of all they are absolutely delicious
circular sensations!
JE: Running a business is a 24 hour a day job, as you well know.
What have you learned (business or otherwise) in the years that you
have had Brew Ha Ha?
GL: I've learned that it is hard work….really hard work….but the
payoff is unbelievable. I've made the greatest friends I've ever had
in my life and I LOVE going to work every day!
Working out of her "Easy Bake Oven", Gabby, along with her 2
baristas create and crank out over two hundred cake balls each day
in several different varieties. My personal favorite is the Devil's
Food and the Red Velvet. She is notorious for naming them after
customers, sport figures, celebrities, and whatever local buzzwords
are in play. This is not your ordinary coffee shop. Also noteworthy
is the fact that there is wireless internet, live music and a
monthly art show, which showcases some of Baton Rouge's best artists
and musicians. There is no place quite like it. Make this a regular
stop at any time of the day where you will be welcomed with a smile
and some great coffee. I guarantee, you will have a "ball".
Brew Ha Ha
711 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 923-1923
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