Cajun OnStar Creator Gets Full Circle Moment as Legendary Louisiana Grocery Store Listed for Sale

In what can only be described as a full circle moment, Scott Domingue, known for his wildly popular Cajun OnStar video, is now listing the very grocery store that featured as a central element in his viral 2009 prank. Domingue, under his comedic persona Nonk Chauz, famously prank-called an OnStar representative, claiming to be lost near Grand Chenier. The humorous exchange, particularly the moment where he spelled out "Booth's Grocery" with a "comma to da top," became a sensation, amassing nearly 1.5 million views over nearly 15 years.

Fast forward to today, and Domingue, now a realtor, is putting the iconic Booth’s Grocery on the market. The store, which is more than a mere business establishment to the residents of Grand Chenier, represents a living archive of over six decades of community memories. However, the Booth family, who have run the store since 1957, made the difficult decision to close the doors later this year, citing retirement and challenging conditions such as this year’s drought which have significantly impacted their customer base.

The official real estate listing adds a slice of the store’s unique charm, inviting prospective lessees to continue the legacy of the only store within a 20-mile radius – a beloved stop on the way to Da Refuge or duck camps. The listing includes a two-bedroom house under the same roof, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer.

It's a bittersweet turn of events for the Booth family. The late T-Mae Booth, the matriarch who passed away at the age of 95, was fondly referred to as the mayor of Grand Chenier. Her passing, along with the other hurdles faced this year, has led the family to seek someone to carry on the store's legacy.

The local community has been encouraged to keep the hope alive. As Michael Booth expressed, the store has withstood many hurricanes and always rebuilt. It has been more than a place of business; it has been a hub for after-fishing relaxation and warm conversations.

For Domingue, this moment is undeniably poignant. As he plays a part in transitioning Booth’s Grocery to its next chapter, one can’t help but reflect on the unexpected journey from a prank call to a real-life involvement in the store's future. With a nod to Louisiana's joie de vivre, Domingue's Facebook post ends with an inviting "Laissez Bon Temp Rouler!" beckoning a new beginning for this cherished local landmark.

I had the privilege to speak with Domingue on this special moment and reflect on a video that, in hindsight, feels like it was before its time.

How incredible is it that this video went viral 15 years ago?

It's quite astounding to realize it's been 15 years. This past summer, I was staying at a friend's camp for the weekend. When I walked into the store for a few items, a relative recognized me and mentioned that T-Mae was in the back. I ended up joining her and her family for coffee and breakfast. It was a wonderful time to catch up. That evening, my Facebook Memories notification showed it was exactly 15 years to the weekend since that video went viral, which was a total coincidence.

Regrettably, a few weeks later, Miss T-Mae passed away. It seemed like fate that we had that visit that day. It left me with profound nostalgia.

Did you ever imagine that the internet would become as dominated by video content as it is today?

Back when we first uploaded the video to YouTube, I had no clue what that was. I watched it for the first time in years the other day, and it's so different – not a single second was edited! That wouldn't be acceptable today.

It's fascinating to see something so unpolished and spontaneous still hold significance in the digital world!

Did Booth's ever mention gaining popularity because of the video going viral?

Miss T-Mae and her family have always been, and continue to be, very appreciative of the fame the video brought to the store.

She did mention that in all the years the store had been open, it had never been as busy as after the video went viral.

Does it feel like a full circle moment for you to be listing the property for sale?

It's quite surreal how things have come full circle with me having the privilege of listing the store for lease. I've come to consider the Booths family as my own. It's a heartfelt honor to list their store, a small establishment deep in the marshes that holds such cultural significance. It's been a humbling experience.

The essential condition for leasing is that the Booths Grocery name and signage must remain, no matter what. I'm really excited about that.