Larry's French Market

A Canadian man dined at Larry’s French Market on Thursday after hearing in Saudi Arabia that he “had” to try out this Cajun food in Groves, Texas.

Brenda Judice was a little emotional as she told her husband, the Larry of the day, that anecdote, minutes after Groves Chamber of Commerce members marched in with the surprise announcement that he was named Groves Chamber 2011 Small Businessman of the Year.

Larry was sitting at a table with family, wearing his familiar red apron, when Ronnie Boneau, chamber director, arrived with a big plant. The entourage had gathered in a parking lot at Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant to surprise Judice.

The award represented his acclaim for representing the Cajun food and lifestyle in the area, region and state, Boneau said.

Judice, usually a talker, said he was overcome as he hugged his wife, who had kept the secret.

“She’s really the big boss here,” he said.

Brenda said her husband loves to see people happy, and Larry said he loves that generations mix it up and share culture under his roof.

“It really makes me feel good,” Judice said.