Both Jeff and Renee were born and raised in Louisiana, a state renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture. Growing up in a family that cherished home-cooked meals, Jeff developed a love for cooking at an early age. His fondest memories involve helping his grandmothers in the kitchen, learning the secrets of traditional family recipes that would later influence his own culinary creations.

Through years of experience in corporate restaurants, they decided that their true calling was to create a dining experience that was not only delicious but also infused with a local flair. In 2017 they took a leap of faith, and through consistency and dedication, the dream came true.  From the moment Mandez's opened its doors, it quickly became a local favorite, earning rave reviews from both customers and food critics alike. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes, Mandez's has become a culinary destination for locals and visitors alike. The Hernandez’s culinary philosophy is rooted in a simple yet profound principle: freshness is paramount. They believe that the key to creating exceptional dishes lies in using the finest ingredients, which are sourced locally. This dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of Mandez's menu, from the succulent seafood to the vibrant, farm-fresh vegetables.

In addition to the focus on freshness, Jeff is known for his creative flair and willingness to experiment with new flavors and techniques. He constantly seeks to push the boundaries of traditional seafood cuisine, incorporating global influences and contemporary twists into his dishes. This approach has earned Mandez's a reputation for offering a unique and memorable dining experience.  In addition to their regular menu offerings, Mandez's also delights patrons with family-style “Take-Out” meals every Tuesday, a delectable brunch spread on Sundays, and delicious weekend specials. The creativity does not stop there, Renee has handcrafted unique cocktails such as Pond Punch, named after our own Sugar Mill Pond, Frozen Nue Lemonade, and Swamp Water, to name a few. But what truly sets Mandez's apart is the Hernandez family's personal touch. You won't just find them as owners; you'll often see them rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their staff, ensuring that every dish that leaves the kitchen is nothing short of perfection. It's this commitment to variety and quality that keeps customers coming back time and time again. 

Perhaps what the Hernandez’s are most proud of is their deep connection to the Youngsville community, especially their neighbors in Sugar Mill Pond. They've embraced their role not just as restaurant owners but as members of the community, and they take immense pride in serving their neighbors with warmth and hospitality.

Beyond the walls of their restaurants, the Hernandez family is deeply committed to giving back. They proudly sponsor local schools, fundraisers, and charities, and they're honored to be a food sponsor for Ragin' Cajun Football, supporting their beloved team both on and off the field.

As Mandez's Seafood Bar & Grill continues to thrive in both Lafayette and Youngsville, the Hernandez family remains dedicated to their mission of serving up delicious food. With each meal they serve, they're not just feeding their customers; they're nourishing the bonds that tie their community together, forever “changing lives one bite at a time”.

1821 Chemin Metairie Road

Youngsville, LA 70592

337-573-4219

Facebook: MandezGrillYoungsville

Instagram: mandezs_seafood

“Excellent! Everything was fantastic!” - Roxie Leblac

“Top notch! Food, servers, and company!” - Melissa Marcotte

“Everything was wonderful– the food, atmosphere, and service.  It was our first visit to the restaurant, we will definitely be back.” - Annette Stansbury

“The food was fabulous. The fried chicken was our favorite!” - Vickie Vincent

“AMAZING!!! the food just kept coming and everything was absolutely delicious!!! We ALWAYS love coming here!” - Karen Juneau