A French Quarter Restaurant, the Team That Has Stayed, and the Owner Who Built It to Last
NEW ORLEANS – A longtime guest wrote that Stephen Archacki “is in half of my family celebration pictures.” The first time the family walked through the revolving doors at Mr. B’s Bistro, he was their first waiter, and he has been their waiter on every visit since. Known to everyone as Bubbles, he has worked the floor for 41 years.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m., Bubbles and 20 of his colleagues will be honored by the Louisiana Restaurant Association as Restaurant Legends, a recognition for people who have given 20 years or more to one restaurant.
Stan Harris, the association’s president and CEO, said, “Their dedication to their restaurants, coworkers and guests demonstrates that hospitality can provide meaningful, rewarding careers. The 647 combined years represented by this group is a remarkable testament not only to their commitment, but also to the ownership and management of Mr. B’s for creating an atmosphere where people want to build their careers and stay for the long term.”
Mr. B’s opened in 1979 at the corner of Royal and Iberville streets and counts itself a neighborhood classic. Its goal is steady: seasonal, quality New Orleans classics in a warm, comfortable room, and a workplace where people learn and grow. The honorees include servers, cooks, managers, food runners, utility, expeditors, and the people in payroll, sales and receiving who keep the business moving.
In an industry where, according to the National Restaurant Association, 77% of restaurant operators say retaining employees is a significant challenge for their businesses, this recognition is a true testament to Cindy Brennan’s management style and the positive work environment she has created over the years.
Brennan is a visible, accessible, and supportive presence at Mr. B’s. Team members know they can sit down and talk with her one-on-one, and she is available by phone or text even when she is away. Mr. B’s describes its style as fine dining without the fuss. The fuss is real, though; it simply happens where guests never see it, and it runs on a team that stays in close communication with one another and with Brennan.
“I want our guests to relax and let us do the worrying,” Brennan said. “I’m the captain of the team, but leadership at Mr. B’s is shared — there is no Lone Ranger here. My job is to build the culture and create a welcoming environment so everyone who walks through those doors — both staff and guest — feel taken care of.”
The kitchen reflects the same care. Executive Chef Vincent Sciarrotta, who has been at Mr. B’s for 25 years, credits the people around him for the way a very busy restaurant stays calm.
“It is the feeling of family, knowing that you can count on one another at all times — no matter what — even when it gets extremely busy and chaotic. It’s controlled chaos because of our close-knit family atmosphere,” he said.
Philip “Skip” Lomax, the longest-tenured team member at 45 years, is the cook behind Wednesday’s Skip’s Fried Chicken special. He has strong opinions about the rest of the menu too. Mr. B’s, he says, has the best family meal, the best fried chicken and the best Barbequed Shrimp in the city.
Ask the team why they have stayed, and the answers come back to the same few things.
“Mr. B’s is my second home,” said Lionel Ruffin, who has been in utility and receiving for 20 years.
Steve Randolph, a manager for 28 years, said the people are what kept him: “like family, you love some members, some you don’t.”
Bubbles has a lighter explanation. He used to say it was the health insurance, but he has aged out of that one.
“Now it’s my clientele,” he said.
J.C. Jackson, a server for 40 years, said the customers have introduced him to some of the most interesting people he has met, and to some great friends.
Guests and peers notice. Fellow New Orleans restaurateurs at Gautreau’s Restaurant call the Barbequed Shrimp “absolute best BBQ shrimp in the world!!!!” A longtime guest from the Gulf Coast says Mr. B’s is “my first stop in New Orleans” every time.
The food is seasonal, fresh and consistent, and the people serving it are the reason guests return.
Mr. B’s turns 50 in 2029. Skip, now at 45 years, will have been there for nearly all of them.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Restaurant Legends Presentation
When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Where: Mr. B’s Bistro, 201 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Media note: Members of the press are invited to attend the ceremony. Photos of the honorees with Brennan and Harris will be taken at about 3:45 p.m. Interviews with Brennan, Harris and honorees can be arranged on request. Additional high-resolution images available upon request.
2026 MR. B’S BISTRO RESTAURANT LEGENDS
Years of service:
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Philip “Skip” Lomax, cook (45)
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Cynthia Brennan, owner (44)
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Keenan White, runner (44)
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Carlos Castillo, utility (42)
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Stephen Archacki, server (41)
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J.C. Jackson, server (40)
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Merlene Jones, HR and payroll (37)
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Randy Stein, general manager emeritus (36)
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Larry Sherman, general manager (33)
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Ferd Blanks, food runner (29)
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Steve Randolph, manager (28)
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Michael Quilgars, server (26)
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Vincent Sciarrotta, executive chef (25)
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Renata McPhie, server (24)
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Julie Brignac, director of sales and marketing (23)
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Brian Bingham, expeditor (23)
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Craig Murray, sous chef (22)
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Dwayne Mitchell, server (22)
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Alton Williams, server (22)
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Kenderick Toussaint, server (21)
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Lionel Ruffin, utility and receiving (20)
ABOUT MR. B’S BISTRO
Mr. B’s Bistro has been a French Quarter institution since 1979, serving authentic Creole cuisine at the historic corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Known for signature dishes like Gumbo Ya Ya, legendary Barbequed Shrimp, and wood-grilled fresh fish, the restaurant embodies “fine dining without the fuss” under the leadership of owner Cindy Brennan.
As Mr. B’s approaches its 50th anniversary in 2029, the restaurant continues to honor Louisiana’s culinary traditions while welcoming guests with the warm Southern hospitality that has made it a beloved New Orleans destination.
For more information, visit mrbsbistro.com, call 504.523.2078, and follow @mrbsbistro on Instagram & Facebook.