OUR STORY

Rikenjaks was founded in 1992 by Brewers Rick Nyberg and Jack Little in Jackson, Louisiana where the original Old Hardhead Scottish Ale, ESB (Extra Special Bitter), and American Ale were first brewed. Rikenjaks beers quickly became popular across Southeast Louisiana. In 1999, Rikenjaks relocated to downtown Lake Charles in a historic Broad Street building that once housed the Lake Charles American Press Newspaper. Present owner Jay Ecker took over operations in 2000, establishing Rikenjaks as a popular regional destination for Craft Beer and Live Music. Rikenjaks was sold in 2003 and stopped production in 2007. In 2014, Ecker joined Texas restauranteurs Frankie Randazzo and Buck Maraist to resurrect the Rikenjaks brand in its present location. Located in a historic 70 year old cottage that has been fully renovated, Rikenjaks features intimate indoor dining and outdoor patio bar and pet friendly beer garden with live music on indoor and outdoor stages. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Rikenjaks welcomes the whole family to enjoy our varied menu featuring hand crafted regional favorites. Late night at Rikenjaks brings the excitement of the finest local and regional live music.