Shane and Debbie Spallino have been named the 2020 Business Persons of the Year by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, Shane attended St. Michael’s, Notre Dame High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette studying management. Originally from Albany, Georgia, Debbie graduated from Georgia Southern University in Accounting. Shane and Debbie married in 1986 in Tifton, Georgia. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Heather, Samantha, Shannon and Sydney, and 1 grandson, Salvador Joseph Duplechain.
Debbie’s accounting career began at Broussard, Poche Lewis & Breaux from 1988-1994. She has been employed by Bank of Commerce and Trust since 1994 and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. She also utilizes her financial expertise as an advisor for Jim & Ruth Moncus of Lafayette. Shane and Debbie opened Salvador’s Jewelers & Gifts in Crowley in 1989. Shane’s father, Salvador had not only taught him the basics of business, but jewelry repair and design as well. In 2006, Shane and Debbie purchased the former Radio Shack property, where Salvador’s is still located today.
In 2003, the couple ventured into the restaurant industry and opened what is now Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers in Breaux Bridge, a drive-thru seafood restaurant & catering company, which thrives during crawfish season. Three years later, also in Breaux Bridge, they entered into a franchise agreement with Microtel Inn and Suites, and began construction on a 58-room hotel which opened in March, 2009. Shortly after, the Spallinos acquired over 30 acres along I-10 in Duson. Along with partners Catherine Hetzel, Eric Hetzel & Marcus Deshotel, they began construction on a full service restaurant and bar, Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers of Duson, which opened in May 2015. Open year-round, their restaurant offers live local entertainment 3 days a week and is a lively spot during boiling season. With the adjacent acreage already secured, in late 2017, they constructed a seafood dock behind the Duson restaurant, and opened Cajun Claws Seafood Dock & Market in March 2018. The Dock buys and sells live crawfish, Blue Point crabs and shrimp.
Among the numerous enterprises noted above, the Spallinos employ nearly 100 individuals and are tirelessly committed to their community. They are well-known for their work ethic and their endless community support. Each of Shane and Debbie’s Acadia Parish Businesses are members of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce. They regularly attend and participate in various events including the Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, Golf Tournament, Farmers’ Appreciation Dinner, Annual Banquet and the former Career Expo. Debbie served on the Crowley Chamber Board from 2000-03, serving as Chairman in 2003. She is a graduate of the Leadership EXCEL program and in return served on the Leadership EXCEL Advisory Board for 3 years, serving as Secretary for 2 years. Debbie has served as President & Treasurer for the Crowley Rotary Club and Treasurer of the Grand Opera House of the South Board of Directors. She is a member of the Louisiana Society of CPA’s and the Crowley Business and Professional Women’s Club.
“In some instances, we select a business who has excelled as a single enterprise. In selecting our 2020 Business Persons, Debbie and Shane are being honored for their numerous successful business endeavors, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their tireless work ethic all while selflessly giving back to the communities they serve,” noted Chamber President, Amy Thibodeaux. “Acadia Parish is blessed to have two individuals so committed to their practices and dedicated to our community. I hope that others find inspiration in their pioneering path and become entrepreneurs and community leaders like the Spallinos for it is individuals like them that make Acadia Parish a remarkable place.”
The Spallinos will be honored on Thursday, July 16 at the Grand Opera House of the South during the Chamber’s Acadia Parish Honors.In addition, we will honor several other individuals for their contributions to the community including Humanitarian of the Year and seven Outstanding Young Citizens. For more information on Acadia Parish Honors, please visit AcadiaParishChamber.org.
