The Petroleum Club of Lafayette is a true, member owned club, social and dining club, favored by prominent Lafayette professionals and their families for nearly six decades.
It’s a comfortable and appropriate place to discuss matters of importance, and quietly impress. It’s a convenient retreat from the office to reflect and relax or catch up on the morning’s Wall Street Journal over coffee and biscuits. It’s the perfect setting to expand your perspective, meet new people and enjoy Lafayette’s richest mix of business, social, and networking opportunities.
It’s an after work gathering spot for cocktails and conversation.
It’s a world class restaurant with a family of award winning staff that greet you by name, seat you at your favorite table, know exactly how you like your steak and are ready with your favorite bottle of wine. The perfect place to cut a smart deal and a great filet mignon.
The Petroleum Club of Lafayette members enjoy the highest level of personalized service in a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
From monthly themed dinners and holiday events to bingo and afternoon tea's the Petroleum Club features monthly member events to enjoy with family, friends and business associates. Business casual dining is available for lunch. Dinner is served on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Private dining rooms can accommodate parties and business meetings for members and their guests.
Benefits of Membership
Prestige of membership in one of Louisiana's oldest private dining clubs, established in 1953.
Exclusive "Member Only" meeting place for busy executives.
Alternate environment for fine cuisine and attentive service in a setting of privacy and tradition.
Contemporary, yet novel, American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Dean George.
Located in the heart of the Oil Center
Networking through committee participation and monthly happy hour.
The Petroleum Club's History
The origin of the Petroleum Club dates to 1952 when the first oil companies started moving into offices on St. Mary, between Heymann Boulevard and Pinhook Road.
The late Maurice Heymann owned a large nursery for retail shrub and tree sales, a part of which he ultimately developed into the Oil Center. A small group of oilmen approached Heymann with interest in building a "club room" for the purpose of relaxing, socializing and discussing mutual problems after a long day's work. Heymann liked the idea and told the oilmen that if they created a legal corporation and built the club themselves, he would donate the land. Ten oil company representatives formed the Southern Building Company for the purpose of selling stock. Their goal was to sell 200 shares at $200 per share. They accomplished this goal in several months with 200 charter members in place. On April 12, 1953, the original charter was organized and the Petroleum Club of Lafayette was born.
The Petroleum Club kept pace with the oil industry, and after expansions in 1959, 1964, 1968 and 1981, the club grew to more than 44,000 square feet, becoming the largest Petroleum Club in the world.
Until 1986 Petroleum Club membership was comprised of only men in the oil and gas industry. Today, however, the Club has a more diverse membership and is made up of men and women representing most of Lafayette's professional sector. The Petroleum Club has become Acadiana's melting pot of social and business interaction.
Even though the Club has changed over the years, many things remain very much the same.
Tradition plays a huge part in what makes the Petroleum Club unique and wonderful. The doors open each morning to what is called "Coffee Shop." Friends and colleagues gather in the Charcoal Room over hot coffee and biscuits as they begin the day discussing all matters of business, politics, hunting, sports and general discourse. The dinner dance each Friday night is always well attended and has hosted top musicians through the years. Names like 1st Class Combs, Bill Roza, and Sonny Bourg have headlined in the Walnut Room to large groups of members dancing the night away. Every other Thursday is Bingo Night at the Club. For nearly sixty years families and friends have congregated to enjoy a great meal, a good laugh and maybe even a chance to win the evening's jackpot. The Petroleum Club's Sunday lunch buffet is another popular family event that has become a tradition for members.
Staff
John R. O'Meara, CCM - General Mgr
John R. O'Meara, CCM has served in management positions at The City Club of Lafayette, The Executive Club of Pensacola, and The Sherwood Forrest Country Club in Baton Rouge. With 40 years of Private Club Management experience John is well suited for the General Manager's position of the prestigious Petroleum Club of Lafayette. John has been with us for 9 years. He can be reached at JohnO@pclafayette.com.
McKinley "Mac" Simmons, Jr. - Public Relations
McKinley "Mac" Simmons, Jr. works in Public Relations to ensure delivery of the smooth, professional daily services the members have come to expect. Mac has been with the Club for over 36 years!
Chef Dean George
Chef Dean George: Has been the Club's Executive Chef for over 16 years. He and his staff, prepare and present world class cusine for members, their guests and for banquets. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he began his culinary education after nine years experience as a restaurant manager. He graduated cum laude with a degree in culinary arts from The Cincinnati Culinary Arts Academy. He can be reached at dean_george@me.com.
Denise Richard - Special Events Coordinator
Denise Richard: Is our Private Events Coordinator with over 30 years of experience. During this time she has helped to create many of the most beautiful and successful private events in Lafayette. Denise can be reached at Denise@pclafayette.com.
Jeanne Lantier - Membership & Communications Director
Jeanne Lantier: As the Membership Director, Jeanne has over 16 years in marketing and sales experience and has been with the Petroleum Club for 6 years. Previously she worked at United Blood Services as a Recruiter for 11 years and Senoir Recruiter for 5 years. Jeanne can be reached at Jeanne@pclafayette.com.
Brandi Sons - Controller
Brandi Sons: Our Controller, started with the club in August of 2010. She graduated from ULL in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Previously Brandi worked at WMDDH, CPA Firm for 3 years as a Staff Accountant. She has 5 years of experince in public accounting. Brandi can be reached at brandi@pclafayette.com.
Private Events
As one of Acadian’s premiere social clubs, The Petroleum Club also serves as an elegant setting that can cater to a variety of functions.
Our staff of planning experts, headed by our Private Events Coordinator, Denise Richard, brings experience and excitement to help plan your event from start to finish.
Located in the heart of the Oil Center
The Petroleum Club is Lafayette's premier venue. Its warm décor adds an intimate ambiance that offers you and your guests a unique opportunity to step out of the mainstream and into an environment of urban sophistication.
Surrounded by a rich history with over 44,000 square feet
15 configurable rooms, and an award winning culinary staff lead by Chef Dean George, we will work to make your event a memorable one as our goal is to strive to be more than just a beautiful facility. Our objective is total quality in every aspect of special events from planning menus to providing our expertise in décor and room set up. Denise and her team will accommodate your every need with creativity and attention to detail so that the occasion will be distinctively yours.
Saturday: Club Closed (to accommodate private functions)
About Us
Excellent food and service have been the cornerstone of the Petroleum Club's longevity and success. Top managers, chefs and dedicated service professionals have catered to the high levels of quality expected by the Club's members. The employees create a "home-away-from-home" atmosphere that makes any visit to the Petroleum Club both comfortable and memorable. John Constantine has tended bar at the Club for more than 50 years. McKinley Simmons Jr. has worked for the Petroleum Club for 36 years and epitomizes the caring and warmth that distinguishes the Petroleum Club from all other establishments in Lafayette.