“This is the Sandbar, it’s basically a hangout spot so whether you're nine months old or 90 years old. It’s a spot you can come to enjoy a day off, chill, at the lake with cool food, good atmosphere, it’s just a fun vibe,” owner John LaCour said.

LaCour purchased the property last November, hoping to give back to the community. His connection to the location dates back to age 18, when he started his first job out of high school at the Sandbar.

He said returning to the area gave him an opportunity to create a place where local families could spend time together.

The menu puts a twist on traditional bar food, offering burgers, tacos and wings alongside other options, including an ahi tuna bowl and redfish tacos.

“It’s basically bar food to another level. we use really good ingredients to make sure that people don’t feel so sluggish. It’s still burgers tacos, wings, but it just has that twist to it,” LaCour said.

Beyond the food and waterfront atmosphere, the Sandbar also highlights the history and memories connected to New Roads.

Photographs displayed throughout the property tell stories of LaCour’s family and the community’s past. One of the images features his mother in front of False River in 1871, while another shows his father standing in front of his first truck.

LaCour said the historic image of False River offers a glimpse of how much the area has changed over the years.

The property also features a display dedicated to the town’s former movie theater, including some of its original movie tickets.

Through the combination of food, waterfront recreation and local history, LaCour hopes the Sandbar will continue to bring people together in New Roads.