Benny’s Grocery

About Us

Benny’s Grocery

     In July of 1976, Benny Nele and family officially reopened Big Star Food Center at 739 South Union Street. Upon reopening, the store was renamed Benny’s Big Star, though some locals referred to it simply as “Benny’s”. Besides selling groceries, the store featured a delicatessen, serving hot lunches daily.

     In 1985 when National Food Store stopped doing business on Union Street in Opelousas, Benny purchased that store and moved into the larger building at 806 South Union Street. He renamed his grocery store Benny’s Supermarket

Benny Nele

     The son of Bernice and Tony Nele, Benny was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1939. Benny began his career during high school by working part time in the Kroger’s produce department. After he graduated, Benny went on to work for the Market Basket Stores in Beaumont and Port Arthur, TX as a produce manager, then Store Manager. He also spent time working in wholesale produce before returning to Market Basket Stores as Director of Produce Operations. Benny remained in Beaumont until he moved from there to Opelousas in 1976 to open Benny’s Big Star.

 As soon as the family settled in Opelousas, Benny immediately became active in the Opelousas business and civic organizations including the Boni Fidem Fraternity, the French Club, the Opelousas Sertoma Club, the Opelousas Elks Club and the Opelousas Chamber of Commerce. He was a strong supporter of the Louisiana Yambilee Association, serving on their board of directors. He was chosen by the Yambilee to lead their parade as Grand Marshall in 1990 and served as Mr. Yam for the 61st Louisiana Yambilee Festival in 2006. He promoted Louisiana Yams and won many national and state contests featuring fresh and canned Louisiana Sweet Potatoes. He was also very involved in the Louisiana Retail Food Dealers Association, serving as its president.