SHREVEPORT, La. - Downtown Shreveport organizations want people to experience everything the city’s downtown district has to offer.
The first-ever Lunch & Discover event was held on Wednesday at the former First National Bank Tower on Texas Street. It's designed to highlight the local businesses, restaurants, and experiences that contribute to the uniqueness of downtown Shreveport.
Attendees enjoyed live music, connected with downtown business owners, and learned more about the products, services, and opportunities available throughout the district. The event was intended to encourage both longtime downtown employees and first-time visitors to explore new places during their lunch break.
"There's so much more to explore than what you see online," said downtown business owner Ashley Walker. "We have life down here. We have shops. We have restaurants. We have the park. We have events. We have so much more to offer."
As part of the celebration, some guests received special “Lunch on Us” and “Shop on Us” coupons, which can be redeemed at participating downtown businesses. The incentives aim to drive traffic to local establishments while encouraging continued support of the businesses that fuel downtown’s growth.
The Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation and the State of Louisiana partnered to fund the event.
Additionally, in the spirit of this year’s America 250 celebration, the golden anniversary of the former First National Bank Tower location was commemorated. The 14-story, 203,000 square-foot skyscraper, built in America’s bicentennial year of 1976, was constructed on the site of the historic Grand Opera House at the corner of Texas and Edwards Streets. The high-rise significantly changed the skyline of downtown Shreveport when it was completed and still defines the skyline today operating as one of downtown’s premier office towers.