Cate Street Seafood Station’s Mural Celebrates 20 Years of Community
You Belong Here: Cate Street Seafood Station’s Mural Celebrates 20 Years of Community
Nestled along North Oak, Cate Street Seafood Station is one of the first recognizable landmarks upon entering downtown Hammond. Originally the city's first train depot, the building has been a seafood restaurant for the past two decades under the ownership of Jonathan Wong. As Cate Street Seafood celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, it also unveiled a new artistic addition—a mural that embodies the essence of Hammond and welcomes all who pass through.
The mural is a warm array of sunshine, awash in oranges and yellows, with strawberry plants growing from the ground and Carolina creepers twirling across the bottom. A blue heron stands to the left, overlooking the Louisiana swamp, where a massive Friendship Oak rises in the center—an emblem of Southeastern Louisiana University and our unique biome. On the right, a majestic lion’s head basks in a golden glow, representing not only the university but also the resilience that has defined Hammond’s history. The phrase “YOU BELONG HERE” stretches boldly across the entire scene, echoing our Southern charm, big city dreams, and deep small-town connections. Magnolia blooms punctuate the composition, offering contrast and cohesion. This mural screams Hammond every day of the week.
We spoke with Jonathan Wong, the restaurant’s owner; Erin Perez, marketing specialist for Cate Street Seafood; and Marc Verret, the mural’s artist, to learn about the history of the restaurant, the inspiration behind the mural, and the impact they hope it will have on the community.
Cate Street Seafood Station first opened its doors on August 19, 2004. Reflecting on his journey, Wong recalled the advice that guided his decision to open the restaurant:
"I wanted to do a whole bunch of things prior things to this and then my uncle said ‘don’t be a man with many knives in his pocket with none of them sharp.’ Then I decided to open a restaurant. Not by myself, I’m not that crazy. With my cousin and then a year later my brother graduated from LSU and he joined us."
The Wong family purchased the historic building from the Donna Gay Anderson family, a relationship built over years of fishing trips with Duffy Borden.
"Rumor has it he found his way out of the Bermuda Triangle," Wong joked.
The building underwent extensive renovations, transforming from a seafood buffet into a full-service restaurant. One of the most pivotal changes came after Hurricane Katrina, which led Cate Street Seafood to redefine its dining experience.
A key influence was Yusuke Kawahara, a sushi chef known for his work at Little Tokyo on the Causeway in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
"When we were kids we used to go eat Little Tokyo out on the causeway, back in the 80s/90s… We developed a relationship with him. He would always serve us octopus when we were kids. But when the time came [to open the restaurant], my dad, he’ll ask anything. He’s bold, he asked Yusuke to train my brother Christopher. He trained Christopher in everything. We respect and thank him so much because it’s rare somebody will say ‘here’s my trade and everything I know.’ He did that."
This deep-rooted respect for mentorship and tradition has defined Cate Street Seafood Station since its inception.
The idea for a mural had been in Wong’s mind since 2015, but, as he put it, "the time was actually back in 2015, when I had great ideas, but couldn’t get my stuff together. But, then you learn patience when you have a business." Finding the right artist and vision took time, but the moment seemed destined when the project aligned with the restaurant’s 20th anniversary.
"We’ve always said we’re at the entrance to downtown Hammond. We wanted to contribute to its beautification."
Artist Marc Verret, along with graphic designer Nicholas Miner, helped bring the vision to life. While the mural’s message evolved over time, the core concept remained consistent: a tribute to Hammond’s identity and a symbol of belonging.
"We wanted it to represent the community. All the local imagery: the lion, the college, and all the different stuff Louisiana represents. I think it just kind of went from there," Verret explained.
In the early stages, different messages were considered, including You Are Enough and Have a Good Day. The final phrase, You Belong Here, resonated deeply with the team.
"There were some earlier drafts where it was five things. I almost wanted to have The Avengers, but it was Environment, Education, Sports, and Hard Work. That was draft one. Draft two was really nice and beautiful, but it was little too abstract. It was a lion’s head where it had a light face with a dark side with a broken fence and things of the past. It meant brighter days ahead," Wong shared.
Verret added, "Negative past, bright future kind of thing. That would have been cool too, but some things just need to simmer for a while until you really figure it out."
Ultimately, the team decided on a message that would have the most impact on those who pass through downtown Hammond.
Beyond its bold colors and striking design, the mural carries deep symbolism tied to both Hammond and the values of Cate Street Seafood Station. The lion represents Southeastern Louisiana University, a powerful emblem of strength and pride within the community. Strawberries pay tribute to Hammond’s rich agricultural history, a nod to the industry that helped shape the city. The Friendship Oak stands as a symbol of longevity and unity, while a blue heron soars through the mural, connecting the piece to Louisiana’s natural beauty.
One subtle yet meaningful detail is the Carolina Creeper vine woven into the artwork, with its five leaves representing what Wong calls the “Five F’s”—Family, Fitness, Faith, Friends, and Finance.
"That’s something I like to share with my friend group and family. Family, Fitness, Faith, Friends and Finance. It’s making sure you always have targets in those areas and ensuring you have people to support you in those areas," Wong explained
For Verret, the goal of street art is to evoke emotion, and this piece is no exception.
"Being where it is, the entrance to downtown, it’s the first thing you see," he said. "I like the point you brought up about people dropping their kids off at college. It didn’t hit me, that emotional connection. A parent and kids, moving on. That’s what they’re going to remember. Us being a part of that milestone."
Perez reflected on the impact of seeing young people interact with the mural.
"It just makes me happy. It’s cool to see, on my day off when I pass it, a group of 15-year-old girls taking a picture with it. I wish I had something like that as a kid… because maybe they don’t have anybody telling them that at home. They can see it on a wall and maybe it will resonate."
For Wong, the message is simple yet profound:
"For me, it’s a nod, it’s a fist bump, it’s a small act of kindness… This is really a nod to people past, present and future. I’ve been here my whole life. We’ve lost people along the way and I think it’s very important that each person knows they matter."
As Cate Street Seafood Station marks 20 years, it does so with a bold, visual statement that extends beyond its walls. The mural is more than just an artistic addition—it’s a reflection of Hammond’s identity and a message of welcome to all who pass by.
In a town where history and progress intertwine, Cate Street Seafood Station stands as both a landmark and a testament to the power of community, creativity, and belonging.
special thanks to erin perez for providing progress photos of marc’s work
