SE Development is dedicated to shaping the future of Lafayette through thoughtful hospitality and culinary projects. With developments like Hotel Lafayette in Downtown and a second Central Pizza location, we’re committed to creating spaces that foster connection, culture, and community. By blending historic charm with modern experiences, we aim to bring new energy to the heart of the city.
Hotel Lafayette
We’re thrilled to share our involvement in an exciting new project that will transform the former Don’s Downtown location into an 83-room boutique hotel and restaurant.
While we’re proud to play a supporting role in this initiative, we’re excited about the positive impact this development will have on Downtown Lafayette and the surrounding community. This project reflects the city’s rich history and its forward-looking spirit, and we’re honored to be part of it alongside an incredible team of collaborators.
This boutique hotel will bring modern hospitality, dining, and energy to the heart of Lafayette, serving as a catalyst for growth and connection in our downtown area. We believe this is a significant step in creating a thriving hub for locals and visitors alike.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project comes to life, and join us in celebrating the future of Downtown Lafayette!
Stay up to date with the latest from Social Entertainment—new projects, exciting partnerships, and the events shaping our community. This page highlights major announcements, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes stories from our growing network of partners, sponsors, and vendors. Check back often to see what’s next as we continue to bring unforgettable experiences to life.
$19M project aims to convert old Downtown Don's into 83-rom hotel
theCurrent - November 15, 2024
A group of local investors has teamed up with a Mississippi developer to construct an upscale 83-room hotel and restaurant at the site of the old Downtown Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse.
The $19 million project has been in development for years. After Don’s shut down in 2020, local investors, led by Gus Rezende, Ryan Pécot, BJ Crist and John Petersen, purchased the property, located at the corner of Lee Avenue and Vermilion Street, and the lot across from it that served Don’s patrons. They have since partnered with The Thrash Group and Tandem Hospitality Group to build the four-story hotel, which will have a fitness room overlooking the outdoor pool and bar concept, and meeting and conference rooms.
Historic Don's Seafood building comes down for new hotel development
KATC - March 18, 2025
After more than 70 years of serving the community, Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse, a downtown staple since 1934, is being demolished to make way for a new hotel.
The once-beloved establishment, which has been vacant since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, now stands only as a memory, with rubble and debris scattered across the site.
“We’re happy about this! We can’t wait to see the finished work and we’re looking forward to telling our friends about it,” said Lynda Landry, a local who works in downtown Lafayette.
Parisian-theme 'urban oasis resort' open for stays, parties in downtown Lafayette
Advocate - September 18, 2024
Visitors to Acadiana can now book stays at a new high-end guesthouse that comes with all of the bells and whistles to enjoy Lafayette's downtown cultural amenities.
In a neighborhood known for a lack of lodging options — downtown has only one boutique hotel, The Juliet, with 20 rooms — Chez la Fête is positioned to "provide some incremental wins for downtown," according to Gus Rezende, owner of the Social Entertainment hospitality group, which owns this property.
"As a downtown business owner and investor, we have learned from many different leaders about the lack of lodgings, hotels and residential living in the area," Rezende said.
Marc Broussard to Celebrate 20 Years of 'Carencro' at Downtown Rising in Lafayette
Hot107.9 - April 10, 2024ptember 18, 2024
Downtown Rising is gearing up to mark its 5th anniversary in a grand style, spotlighting Lafayette's own Marc Broussard. The event, set to take place at Parc International on Friday, September 27th, 2024, will honor 20 years since the release of Broussard's debut album, “Carencro,” named after the place right outside of Lafayette where he grew up.
Doors will swing open at 5 pm for a night that will be a journey through 20 years of melodies, memories, and that magic that comes together when one of our own comes home to share the stage with the rest of our local talent. Speaking of that talent, Downtown Rising a line-up that features the North Mississippi Allstars, Lost Bayou Ramblers, DJ Digital, and RV—a little bit of something for everyone!
Hospitality fuels Social Entertainment
daily advertiser - April 26, 2016
While many 30-somethings are settling into a career or job hunting, Gus Rezende and B.J. Crist own and manage three bars and restaurants, guide fundraising and events for 10 companies and nonprofits and organize five music series and festivals.
Rezende and Crist are the young entrepreneurs behind Social Entertainment, winner of the Start-Up Business of the Year in the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Business Awards.
Social Entertainment is the umbrella company that creates and coordinates businesses and events specializing in music, food and drink.
Business All-Stars spotlighted at Junior Achievement gala
daily advertiser - April 8, 2019
The Junior Achievement's Business Hall of Fame honored seven of Acadiana's top professionals at its annual awards gala on April 2 at the UL Ballroom. Several well known leaders made the list this year.
Gus Rezende of Social Entertainment was named rising young business person, E.J Krampe earned the business person of the year award and Heidi Melancon recieved the Richard E. Baudoin "Friend of Business" award.
Other honorees were: Ace Specialties, small business of the year. CGI, large business of the year and Laureates Gregg Gothreaux and Ema Haq.
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