If authentic Philly cheesesteak and New York style pizza is what turns on your taste buds, then there’s a table waiting for you at Teddy’s Diner.
Conveniently located on River Road in Luling, this one-of-a-kind restaurant caters to a variety of tastes, including south Louisiana favorites.
With a good mix of Cajun and Italian dishes, menu items range from shrimp po’ boys and jambalaya to chicken parmigiana and Jersey pork rolls.
Owner Teddy Gay, who was born and raised in New Jersey, says that cooking has been a lifelong passion for him and he has always wanted to open his own restaurant.
“I love to eat and I’ve always enjoyed cooking,” he said. “I have a background in business and have dabbled a little here and there with catering. I also worked for a pizzeria up north for many years.”
Gay, who moved to St. Charles Parish from Connecticut with his wife Amy, calls Teddy’s Diner unique.
“My sister, Brenda Mattox, has lived in the area for 30 years, so it’s her expertise with Cajun cooking that helps our restaurant give the community a taste of both worlds,” he said. “There’s something for everyone and we’re always taking suggestions from customers.”
Before opening in January, Gay gathered 26 local families for a taste test to help develop the restaurant’s menu.
“We’re open minded and cook to suit the community’s tastes,” Gay said. “We want to cook what people like and what’s in demand.”
The menu at Teddy’s Diner is always changing based on residents’ likes and dislikes, and many of those alternating dishes may taste familiar.
“In order for us to create a menu that everyone can enjoy, we’ve gone as far as borrowing recipes from locals,” Gay said. “I’ve talked to friends and neighbors and most say that they wanted a good place to sit down and eat at, and we believe that Teddy’s Diner is that place.”
In addition to a wide variety of entrees, the diner also offers an extensive breakfast menu that includes popular items like eggs benedict and sausage rolls, along with other favorites.
Full catering services, limited delivery and concessions such as snowballs and ice cream are also available.
“We’ll deliver up to 15 minutes away,” added Gay. “We’ll go across the river to Destrehan and to the outer communities like Ama. And we offer both regular and sugar-free snowballs”
Currently, Teddy’s Diner is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Extended hours and Sunday brunch are also in the works.
“The parish has been very supportive and we’re making lifelong friends,” said Gay. “And we want everyone to know that the ‘Goody Booth’ window is back.”
Teddy’s Diner can be reached at 985-785-1010.
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