About Us

Shawn Breaud and Shane Songy are more than just business partners—they're lifelong friends whose journey together began in the heart of Chalmette, Louisiana, and has since spanned over two decades of shared dreams, challenges, and successes. Their story is one of resilience, community, and an unshakeable bond that has seen them through some of the most challenging times in recent history.

Shawn Breaud was born and raised in Chalmette, where he graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1987. After earning a Communications degree from the University of New Orleans, Shawn found himself working in New Orleans' burgeoning casino industry. But as the industry faced uncertainty, Shawn made a pivotal decision to seek stability, joining Delta Beer, which later became Miller Beer. This move marked the beginning of a career that would eventually lead him to the world of hospitality.

Shane Songy also hails from Chalmette and graduated from Archbishop Hannan High School in 1995. After serving in the Marine Corps, Shane returned home, ready to start the next chapter of his life. He joined Delta Beer, where fate brought him together with Shawn. Working side by side, the two quickly discovered a natural synergy. Their friendship deepened during their time at Miller Beer, and when both later moved to Pepsi, Shawn became Shane’s boss. It was during these years that they realized just how well they worked together, both professionally and personally.

In 2004, with years of shared experiences under their belts, Shawn and Shane decided it was time to take a leap of faith. Leaving behind the security of corporate life, they set out to build something of their own. In February 2005, they opened their first business, WOW Café & Wingery, on Judge Perez Blvd in Chalmette—a move that brought them back to their roots and laid the foundation for what would become Prime Hospitality Group.

Just months after opening, Hurricane Katrina struck, devastating their hometown and threatening to wipe out everything they had worked so hard to build. The hurricane was a test of their resolve, but instead of giving up, Shawn and Shane rolled up their sleeves and got to work. With a Herculean effort, they cleared the rubble, rebuilt their businesses, and in October 2005, Shawn reopened the Metairie location, followed by Shane reopening Chalmette in May 2006. WOW Café became one of the first businesses to reopen in the area, offering storm-weary residents a taste of normalcy in a world that had been turned upside down.

This period was a turning point for Shawn and Shane. What could have been a knockout blow instead became a testament to their resilience and determination. They emerged from the storm stronger, with an even deeper commitment to their community and their families.

Family has always been at the heart of everything Shawn and Shane do. From the very beginning, their families have been involved in every aspect of their businesses, from opening day to daily operations. It’s not just a job—it’s a way of life. Their children have grown up in the restaurants, learning the ropes and contributing their own talents to the family business. As Prime Hospitality Group has grown, so too has the involvement of the next generation, who are now helping to ensure that each business runs smoothly and continues to thrive.

In 2008, Shawn and Shane expanded their commitment to their hometown by opening PJ's Coffee in Chalmette, right across from WOW Café. This venture, done in partnership with the Ballard Brothers, has been a phenomenal success, providing local young adults with opportunities to develop valuable work skills and work ethics that they will carry with them into the world.

Over the past 20 years, Shawn and Shane have faced numerous challenges, from the BP oil disaster and multiple hurricanes to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, they have found a way to pivot, innovate, and come out stronger. Their ventures now include a diverse portfolio of successful concepts, including Après Lounge in New Orleans and Covington, PJ's Coffee of Chalmette, Comedy House New Orleans, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse - Northshore, Flowers by John Kent, and Kingsmen Social Club.

In 2019, Shawn and Shane brought the unique concept of Après Lounge to the Northshore, only to be faced with the sudden closure of businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic five months later. But true to form, they didn’t sit still. Collaborating with an old friend, Desi Vega, they rebranded and reopened in November 2020 as Desi Vega’s Steakhouse - Northshore and Après Lounge Covington, creating an entirely new concept that paired the luxury of their Champagne lounge with the elegance of USDA Prime Steak dining. The success of this venture led to the opening of Desi Vega’s Smokehouse and Tavern in Mandeville, and now, in the fall of 2024, they will be transforming it into another prime steakhouse location.

Through it all, Shawn and Shane have remained committed to their original motivation: to invest their time, energy, and resources into themselves and their community, rather than spending a lifetime benefiting a corporation that would leave them feeling empty at the end of their professional lives. Their journey is a testament to the power of friendship, the importance of family, and the strength of a community that has supported them every step of the way. Today, Prime Hospitality Group stands as a symbol of their enduring commitment to excellence, resilience, and the deep roots they have planted in their hometown.