Pellerin Named General Manager at Blue Dog Café

Mitchell Pellerin has been named General Manager of Blue Dog Café in Lafayette, La. Pellerin brings national market and brand expertise to the 20-year-old popular eatery.  His résumé includes a who’s who of Louisiana and national restaurants. The 2000 University of Louisiana Lafayette Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management graduate did his Management Internship with Walt Disney World®, Fla.  He earned his Sommelier Certification in 2003 at the Court of Master Sommeliers and his Spirits Certification in 2002 with the Walt Disney Company® while in Orlando.

Prior to coming to Blue Dog Café, Pellerin was the general manager at Lafayette-based Romacelli Bistro e Vino. Before that, Pellerin worked as part of the Walk On’s Enterprises team. He was responsible for the daily operation of a $6 million per year, 200-seat, casual dining restaurant as manager at Walk On’s Bistreaux & Bar in Lafayette. He also managed weekly schedules of over 150 employees in four departments along with the daily ongoing training and development for all staff members. 

Pellerin served as the senior operations manager for ESPN Zone in Las Vegas, Nev. for five years. He was responsible for the daily operations of a $13 million per year location including a 450-seat restaurant, two bars, a retail store and a video game arena.

Stints at Walt Disney World® Resort’s Epcot in Orlando included restaurant service management at the German and Canadian Pavilions. 

“Blue Dog Café has undergone many changes in the last year so that we can better serve the Lafayette community and honor my father’s legacy,” said Jacques Rodrigue, owner of Blue Dog Café. “We are very excited to bring on Mitchell as new General Manager because of his vast experience nationally and locally in the hospitality industry. I am certain that he will continue us on our improvement path, and we hope everyone in Acadiana gets a chance to enjoy a dining experience with us soon.”

“I am excited to be working with Jacques and the team in the kitchen,” said Pellerin. “The menus and restaurant continue to evolve nearly every day. I hear so many amazing comments from the customers, both new and long-time. The reception for what is happening in the restaurant is very positive. It’s the best blend of culture and cuisine for locals and tourists alike.”

This week, Blue Dog Cafe also released an updated expanded menu featuring five new items like a Stuffed Grilled Eggplant and a Chicken Sando. Plus, the restaurant recently added new daily lunch specials such as Red Beans and Rice on Mondays, Seafood Tacos on Tuesdays and Fried Chicken on Wednesdays. 

Blue Dog Café is located at 1211 West Pinhook Road in Lafayette, Louisiana. For more information, go to: lafayette.bluedogcafe.com.