Kim & Marc Runnels
Owners of Pop’s Big Easy
Marc and Kim Runnels
Recently, Marc passed away, and we feel incredibly grateful for the time we were able to spend with him, hearing his stories and learning about the dream he and Kim were building together. Opening a restaurant was always part of that dream, and seeing Pop’s Big Easy become a reality is a testament to Marc’s passion, perseverance, and love for sharing a little piece of Louisiana with the Aberdeen community.
Marc had a way of making people feel welcome the moment they walked through the door. Whether he was sharing stories, talking about Louisiana, or serving up a plate of Cajun food that he would quickly remind you was never “too spicy” just full of flavor, his passion was contagious. Marc was more than a chef and business owner; he was a dreamer who believed that good food and good company could bring people together.
FAMILY OWNED. FAMILY OPERATED & FRESH.
That defines Pop’s Big Easy, the brick-and-mortar operation of the former food truck Pop’s Bayou Mama. The last time I sat down with the owners and interviewed them, they ended our conversation by sharing their dream of opening a restaurant one day. That dream has now become a reality. Located in the heart of downtown Aberdeen, Pop’s Big Easy is housed in the former Barbecue Twist building. Kim shares that the space kind of fell into their lap. Their realtor reached out asking if they had any interest, as the building owners really wanted the Louisiana food truck to make this their new sit-down location. While Marc was hesitant at first to take on this new adventure, Kim says she ultimately convinced him.
The new space can only be described as inviting and homey. Right away, Kim greets you with a smile, and the Louisiana touch is unmistakable, from the sweet tea to the Cajun menu options. Kim shares that they are especially looking forward to summer. With their beautiful patio space, they hope it becomes a place where the community can gather, featuring college students playing music and bringing people together over good food and good music. The reality is that not much has changed from the food truck. The heart, the soul, the passion, and the love for Louisiana-style food remain strong. Marc puts it best: it is the exact same, just on a larger scale. Whereas Kim was baking one cake before, she is now baking three to four and even filling an entire display case with baked goods.
Kim shares that the transition has been smooth. Because people already knew the food and loved it, it was easier than building an entirely new customer base. Being able to sit and visit with customers is another added bonus. Serving more people, expanding their offerings, and having a larger kitchen have all been major perks. The new space also allows for special events. For Valentine’s Day, the duo offered a reservation-only dinner featuring BBQ Shrimp, Fish Pontchartrain, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Ribeye Steak. Pop continues his daily special videos on Facebook, which customers look forward to. Some even reach out on days when a video is not posted.
While there have certainly been challenges, such as finding the right people who share the same work ethic and values, Kim shares that she wishes she had a business degree to better grasp certain aspects of budgeting. Growing from three employees to fifteen has been a significant change. They have also incorporated new technology into the space, including a new point of sale system. Some remodeling was done in the kitchen to better fit their needs. The future looks bright for this duo. Raising an eight-year-old while being full-time business owners keeps them busy, but they are content because they genuinely enjoy making people happy. As for the food truck itself, they still have it and primarily use it for special events and catering.
