Closing its doors

For the last 89 years, since 1932, the name Boco’s has been synonymous with Evangeline Parish, but the business is preparing to close its doors for the last time. Chris Stromer shared his thoughts: “The market has changed, and we got older and we just see it as the right time to close. I’m very blessed to have eight grandchildren here in Ville Platte. I don’t want to miss any more stuff. I was committed to this. When people came in here, I was here. I’m very fortunate that my wife put up with it. We’ve been very fortunate. We’ve had some long-time employees. We’re very thankful to all of them. It’s been fun, but it’s time to do something different. When we made this decision, I said July 30 will be our last day. We are hoping right now that Honda stays in Evangeline Parish. We’re working on something with another company which would be a wonderful thing for our parish and for our farmers.” Pictured from left: Chris Stromer, Joel Stromer, Harold Stromer, Phyllis Stromer, Danny Manuel, Norma Ortego, and Mike Fontenot. (Photo courtesy of Evangeline Chamber of Commerce)