Livingston, like most places, was a much different place in 1985. Grabbing a bite to eat somewhere wasn't quite as easy, but a new place had just come to town. Manny Rachal wanted to bring his cuisine to East Texas, and in doing so, created a local eatery on Church Street for generations to enjoy.
The restaurant’s final meals will be served this weekend, and Rachal is hanging up the apron.
“Because we're broke,” Rachal said laughing about social media rumors. “You know how people talk.”
Though business at Shrimp Boat Manny’s is winding down, you’d never know it from the parking lot traffic.
“It was crazy Saturday night. It was really crazy,” Rachal said. “We did more in that particular day than we've done in over 40 years. That one particular day, that was our record day.”
So, what is the real reason Shrimp Boat Manny’s is closing after 41 years?
“I want to retire, man. I'll be 75 this year. None of my children want it; it's a lot of work. We're going to try to sell it if somebody wants to buy it – maybe buy the business, the name, the brand, and just move it to another town or move it to another section of Livingston. I wouldn't close if we were broke; I'd keep on trucking.”
Rachal lives directly behind the restaurant, and will look to sell the building, preferring a business other than a restaurant moves in.
He shared his secret to success with the Enterprise in a phone conversation Monday.
“When I first started, I knew that McDonald's made it, and they made it on a hamburger, on food. They didn't have any alcohol. So, we decided not to do alcohol back in 1985, but we always tried to promote quality food at a decent price and good service. We still, after 40 years, strive for that. And, we haven't lost many people, especially in our kitchen area. You know, we have some people who have been with us 25-30 years. It's because we work around their schedule. We help them out when it's necessary. We treat people like you want to be treated, like an equal. We treat our customers the same way. We always try to be courteous and helpful and friendly.”
Though in business for so long, Rachal said the time spent running the Cajun seafood establishment has gone fast.
“It's like a blur, man. They've come and gone so quick. I just don't know how I did it. The only thing I remember is that the good Lord was with me all these years, all this time. It's heritage. You know, besides McDonald's, we were probably the second one here. I think management is very important. It's how you manage the place.
“When I first came here, I was in the insurance business, and I didn't know how to charge people. I was cooking 12 fried oysters with French fries for five bucks. At the end of three months, just to give you an idea, I was broke. I didn't have any money. So, we went up to $7.50 an order. And so, you learn how, and you knew you had a good product. People were just coming and coming, eating fried shrimp, fried oysters, etouffee, gumbo, all that good stuff.
“Then, you have to hire people. It's a commitment to them and to you. Sometimes they make it, sometimes it's a cup of tea, and sometimes it's not. But, if they're making money, and decent money, it's a blessing to them.”
Rachal also wanted to thank the public and those who have helped along the way, and plan to do so in a statement the family will release next week. The restaurant is scheduled to close soon, with the final day on July 4.
