Henry and Debbie Taylor Names First Go Natchitoches Award Recipients

Henry and Debbie Taylor Named First Go Natchitoches Awards Recipients

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Henry and Debbie Taylor as the inaugural recipients of the Go Natchitoches Award, recognizing their leadership in revitalizing St. Denis Street through initiatives like Shop St. Denis and the creation of Taylor Park. The Taylors will be honored at the Chamber’s Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet on Wednesday, February 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Go Natchitoches Award was established to celebrate individuals, businesses, or groups that exemplify the energy, innovation, and collaboration that drive Natchitoches forward. As longtime business owners, the Taylors have embodied this spirit for decades. Since opening Très Bien Antiques in 2012, they have continued investing in the downtown area, launching additional businesses such as The HA Cook Guest House, Local Flavor, and Mystical Magnolia.

As vacant retail spaces along St. Denis Street have filled with a variety of new and thriving businesses, the opportunity for collaboration became clear. The Taylors helped unite shop owners to promote the area through the monthly Shop St. Denis event, held on the second Saturday of each month. Featuring live music, food trucks, pop-up vendors, and unique shopping experiences, the event has drawn both locals and tourists beyond the bricks of Front Street, increasing foot traffic and visibility for St. Denis businesses.

Taking their vision a step further, the Taylors transformed a once-gravel parking lot into Taylor Park—a permanent addition to the downtown landscape. Complete with solar lighting, landscaping, a performance stage, and wrought iron tables, chairs, and fencing, the park serves as a welcoming community space. While improvements like this are often the result of public investment, Taylor Park stands as a testament to what private business owners can accomplish when they invest in their community. Shop St. Denis continues to bring energy and excitement to the area, and the park provides a lasting foundation for future events, performances, and everyday enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. 

“People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible,” said Debbie Taylor. “That’s what we have tried to do on St. Denis.”

The Chamber commends the Taylors and their fellow business owners for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making Natchitoches a thriving destination.

The community is invited to join the celebration as the Taylors and other outstanding businesses and individuals are recognized. Registration for the Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet is now open at GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.