Shreveport barbecue restaurant under new ownership. Here's what you need to know

A Shreveport chef has announced that he is retiring and turning over his successful business to some younger talent.

"It's time to pass the baton to a couple of younger folks that are going to take everything that's been built and move it forward to bigger and better places," said Chef John Strand.

In March 2024, Strand opened The Magnolia Pit after serving the Shreveport-Bossier area as a chef for more than 20 years. The Magnolia Pit was formed on Strand's desire to incorporate Louisiana cuisine with barbecue.

Chef’s John Strand’s the Magnolia Pit in Shreveport on March 30, 2024.

Chef Valerie Benn and her wife, Taneia Benn, will be taking over The Magnolia Pit. Strand and Valerie Benn sat down with the Shreveport Times to discuss this new venture.

"We've worked with Chef John for years, and we've built a fantastic relationship," Valerie said.

She said one day Strand told her that he was ready to retire and asked if the couple would want to buy the business and carry on the legacy.

"We were like, 'How could we possibly turn down such a huge legacy?,'" Valerie said.

Strand's business will continue on and, according to Valerie, all the recipes will remain the same.

"The beauty about this is that I'm not going anywhere," Strand said. "I'll be right here with Val and Ben to guide them step by step of my processes, various protocols and thoughts that have led to the success that we've enjoyed thus far."

He continued by saying this allows them to have an opportunity to hear successful ways to do things as well as brainstorm their own ideas.

"That tickles me to no end," Strand said. "They are showing me such consideration and such respect to use me as their sounding board."

Valerie said, "I'm honored for the opportunity... we're really excited for this new journey and to see what it brings us, and just to serve good food and good drinks."

Strand and Valerie hinted at some future endeavors.

"Who knows, there might be more than one location," Strand said.

Stay tuned for any upcoming announcements. Until then visit The Magnolia Pit at 729 Jordan St. It's open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)