Nostalgic Bossier City Carousel Set to Reopen This Summer

Chef Gabriel Balderas is working on his latest project, but this time around, things look a little different. He’s temporarily swapped out his chef’s coat for a painter’s apron, and the project he’s tackling is unlike anything we’ve ever seen him do.

If you recognize Chef Gabriel, it’s probably from his incredible culinary footprint across the area. Seafood lovers flock to his widely acclaimed Zuzul Coastal Cuisine, Mexican food enthusiasts know his award-winning staple El Cabo Verde (voted best Mexican restaurant in Louisiana back in 2020), and his newest venture, The Brine, is set to open soon at Picklr in Bossier City.

So, what has a master chef stepping away from the kitchen prep table?

A long-abandoned, historic carousel.

Chef Gabriel has become obsessed with bringing a once-vibrant piece of local history back to life. When I asked him how much he actually knew about restoring historic carousels before starting, he laughed and admitted he’s completely learning as he goes.

But his vision goes way beyond a simple coat of fresh paint.

He’s spent countless hours pulling city permits, working closely with inspectors, and meticulously researching the origins of this specific carousel. His goal? Making sure that when these horses spin again, it helps every single one of us tap right back into our inner child.

This project is pure nostalgia central. Chances are, if you grew up here in the Ark-La-Tex or raised kids in the area, you have memories (and probably old family photos) with this exact carousel. Imagine getting to recreate those exact moments decades later with a brand-new generation!

Naturally, a project like this doesn't come without doubters. Chef Gabriel has been told by plenty of people that restoring a carousel is a "terrible investment" and that there’s no real money to be made in a project like this.

However, watching his focus and drive, it’s obvious he couldn't care less about the negative comments.

He already knows how to run successful restaurants and make them thrive. This project? This is purely a labor of love from a local chef back to our community.

If all goes according to plan with inspections and final touches, the fully restored carousel should be ready by the end of the summer, just in time for the grand opening of The Brine.

We absolutely love seeing passion projects like this come to life in our community, and once that carousel is spinning in all its glory, we’ll see you there!