When Patrick Bode and his family started Pirogue Praline Company five years ago, their take on the sweet Louisiana treat got them almost instantaneous recognition.
There were appearances on local news in New Orleans, meetings with folks like southern cooking queen Paula Deen and even a private audience with the governor of Louisiana. But at the core of the company is something more fundamental than money or celebrity shout-outs. It’s their son, who has been dubbed “the Praline King”.
“Our goal was to have a facility and a company and a bakery that he would be able take care of himself when we’re no longer here. That’s why we worked so hard,” said Bode.
Bode’s son, Seth, was diagnosed with Autism as a toddler. Seth is now 28 years old. As the father of a special needs child, there are special considerations Bode has to make for his son’s future. Some of the plans for Pirogue Pralines haven’t come together as Bode expected but the concern and care he’s invested in the company represents the essence of fatherhood, in my opinion at least. As many families will celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I visited Bode and the Praline King at their home in Metairie, La to see the bond they share as father and son. The Praline King also showed me what I guess we could call his royal treasure and a talent that fans of Disney movies would surely applaud. Listen to the podcast here.
Related
