It’s Acadiana: Out To Lunch

Hosted ByChristiaan Mader

OUT TO LUNCH finds journalist Christiaan Mader conducting business Acadiana style: over lunch. Each week Christiaan invites guests from Acadiana's business community to join him. Beyond the foundations of the Acadiana economy - oil, cuisine, music - there is a vast network of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even some of the country's largest companies who call Acadiana home. Out to Lunch is the cafeteria of the wider Acadiana business community. You can also hear the show on KRVS 88.7FM.

All That Glitters – Out to Lunch – It’s Acadiana

In business, it’s good to remember the old saying, “All that glitters is not gold.” In Acadiana, that glittering might be a rare gemstone. Or a shiny new violin.

For a long time Lafayette’s economy was based on one of the most valuable rescources buried below the earth’s surface. Oil. In 1970,  another of the earth’s treasures found its way into the local economy. Diamonds. Diamonds aren’t mined in Lafayette, but just about everything else than can happen to a gemstone takes place right here at Stuller Inc.

Matt Stuller, Stuller Inc

Stuller has grown to become the biggest jewelry manufacturer in North America and its founder, Matt Stuller, joins Peter Ricchiuti for this edition of Out to Lunch. 

Anya Burgess, Sola Violins

Anya Burgess’s creations are as unique as gems, and every bit as integral to the Acadiana way of life. From a workshop and store in downtown Lafayette, Anya’s handmade Sola Violins have found their way into the hands of stars and schoolkids – and into Anya’s own hands as a fiddle player in the bands Bonsoir Catin and The Magnolia Sisters.

Wade Clement, Lift Horse

In the Entrepreneur du Jour segment of the show, Peter introduces Wade Clement, inventor of the Lift Horse. You can hear a longer conversation with Wade, Peter, Matt, and Anya here.

Peter Ricchiuti

Photos on this page are taken at Charley G’s restaurant by Gwendolyn Aucoin

For more information about Acadiana entrepreneurs – Innov8 Acadiana and The Opportunity Machine.