Cotton Boll Grill Reopens Under New Ownership
Former employees now operate the Shreveport restaurant following an extensive two-year closure period.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Cotton Boll Grill in Shreveport reopened in October 2026 following a closure of over two years. Former employees Red McGee and Sarah Yatcko now own and manage the restaurant, which operates on a weekday morning and afternoon schedule.
Why it matters
The transition demonstrates a common small-business succession path where long-term employees purchase an establishment from a retiring owner to preserve its local legacy. This acquisition follows a year-long facility restoration effort intended to recover the previous owner's capital investment.
The restaurant remained shuttered for over two years before undergoing a one-year renovation process. It now maintains operations from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The players
Red McGee
Co-owner and manager of the Cotton Boll Grill who previously worked as an employee at the restaurant.
Sarah Yatcko
Co-owner and manager of the Cotton Boll Grill with a background as a former employee of the establishment.
The details
New owners Red McGee and Sarah Yatcko acquired the facility from the previous owner to ensure the site resumed service. They spent 12 months cleaning and organizing the space to modernize the environment while retaining a traditional menu featuring staples like smothered pork chops and biscuits and gravy. The business now functions under a refined weekday schedule to maximize efficiency during peak breakfast and lunch hours.
Timeline
October 2026: The Cotton Boll Grill officially reopened to the public.
2025: This period marked the original planned reopening date for the facility.
Market Landscape
The reopening follows the established pattern of legacy business succession where long-term employees purchase an establishment from a retiring owner. This transition aligns with broader industry trends toward preserving local dining staples through internal ownership buyouts.
Operators looking to exit should evaluate current staff as potential buyers to recover investment while maintaining business continuity. Focus on securing a long-term transition plan that accounts for necessary facility renovations well in advance of the planned transfer date.
The takeaway
When acquiring an existing business, dedicating a full year to facility restoration can be a vital step in re-establishing brand trust after a multi-year closure. Potential successors should perform a thorough audit of all equipment and maintenance needs before finalizing the purchase agreement.
Further reading
Find more local updates in the Shreveport Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ksla.
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