The Burger Joint Inside Wormser's

Grant and Krysta Myers' thoughtful renovation of a New Iberia architectural jewel

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Walking into Bambino’s Burgers is like opening an antique leather-bound book to find the pages filled with neon-hued pop art. Located in New Iberia’s historic district, the new restaurant has mastered the beauty of juxtaposition by transforming one of Main Street’s most historic buildings with an eclectic, animated interior design. It’s a burger joint, sure, but with historic tile murals, charming ice cream tables, and a large painting of Don Vito Corleone, inviting all who enter to make him an offer he can’t refuse. The space is open and airy, yet filled with cozy pockets of delight. You might as easily find yourself in a snug booth or an art-filled nook with bar games, dayglow portraits of dogs, and gummy bear wallpaper.  

Bambino’s is the latest of Grant and Krysta Myers’s historic restoration projects in the area, which include the Loisel Plantation in Jeanerette and a previously abandoned Victorian-style Broussard home near the Shadows on the Teche. The downtown building itself is one of those local landmarks that, regardless of its current occupants, will always be referred to by the name of its most famous tenant. In this case, it will forever remain “the Wormser’s building.”

The History of the Wormser’s Building 

Wormser’s Department Store was a high-end fashion haven, exemplifying a bygone era of personal customer experience. The Wormser family owned the building and the department store from 1934 to 1998. Older generations of New Iberians share a collective lingering pride of memories spent shopping or working at Wormser’s. 

Built in between 1902 and 1903 by Herbert Weil on the ruined site of the devastating October 1899 fire known in Iberia Parish as “The Great Fire”—the building was purchased by Justin Wormser in 1934. In 1966, his son Harold opened the iconic department store and secured the building's place in Iberia Parish history. The façade  showcases an ornate, stepped gable design with sleek, geometric decorative elements along the roofline. The entrance is recessed, creating a small alcove with glass display windows on either side. It was this distinct art deco design that attracted the attention of the National Historic Register, to which it was added in 1995.

After considering several other properties in the historic downtown district, the Myers chose the Wormser’s building in part because of its history, and in part because of its structural integrity. “The bones of the building were strong and the roof was only a few years old,” says Grant. With the help of Jane Braud, Director of the Planning & Zoning Department and Certified Director of the Main Street Program, the couple was able to secure a Historic Façade Grant from the Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program for $55,000 to help fund their restoration. 

The Burger Joint

“Once we secured a building, we brainstormed what the best fit would be for the space,” said Grant. “At the time, I had a herd of cattle and thought it would be great to have a small hamburger joint in the area. A place where everyone could come to eat, visit and relax.”

The straightforward nature of the Bambino’s Burgers’ menu is any burger enthusiast’s dream come true. Their bread and butter, pun intended, is delicious burgers, such as the juicy Great Bambino—but they also offer flavorful grilled chicken sandwiches and salads. Their appetizers range from duck wontons to truffle fries. The kid’s menu features classics like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese. A day at Bambino’s can begin before lunch with breakfast items like beignets, French toast, and pancakes, along with a la carte options.

The Restoration 

There were times during the restoration when the work more closely resembled an archaeological dig, according to Grant and Krysta. After removing eight layers of old flooring, they were thrilled to uncover the original penny round tile. And still, the floor held more surprises. At the building's entrance, they discovered a large mosaic of a wagon wheel designed in terrazzo, installed around 1910 when the building was the Hub Clothing Store. In addition to the floor, the restoration team was able to preserve the original display racks and booths from Wormser’s Department Store.

In each of the couple’s projects, Krysta is responsible for the design—bringing a keen eye for detail and passion for preserving historical elements, combined with a clever sense of where best to incorporate distinctive, modern touches. 

 “It’s always important to me to make these old structures represent the correct time period,” said Krysta. She achieves this not only through restoration, but by sourcing and curating items of décor to compliment the building’s history. “In the case of Bambino’s that includes everything from the light fixtures to the ice cream barstools and tables.”

Taking inspiration from her travels, Krysta explained that she and Grant are always seeking out pieces that make places stand out, and trying “to bring a little bit of everything that we experience back to New Iberia.”  At Bambino’s, the dining room table and chairs, as well as the bar, for instance, come from one of the family’s favorite spots in Savannah, Georgia, Jere’s Antiques. 

A New Life for a Community Relic

“There was a time when it was difficult to find people to restore buildings such as ours,” said former Chairman of the Wormser’s board of directors, David Wormser. “We struggled to find people to repair the mosaic mural in the entrance, as well as the neon Wormser’s sign. So, I’m really glad to see what they have been able to do with it.”

“We love our town and the beauty that this downtown area once was and is being brought back to,” Grant said. By transforming this beloved landmark into a vibrant culinary destination, he and Kristy have ensured its legacy continues for future generations to enjoy.