Generational family businesses often have a notoriously determined matriach or patriach whose toughness started the business and maintains its success. You may have heard the old tale of the old family business partiach on his death bed. Eyes closed, with his dying breaths he asks who is around the bed. “My son, Seth, are you here?” “Yes, dad.” “My daughter Samantha are you here?” “Yes, dad, I am.” When the old man names every member of his family and discovers they’re all present, he opens his eyes and says, “So who’s minding the store?”

On today’s Out to Lunch, Stephanie sits down with two members of generational family businesses.

Mickal Adler is a member of the fourth generation to run Adler’s Jewelry, the exclusive jewelry and gift store founded by his great grandfather, Coleman E. Adler. The store first opened in 1898 on Royal Street in the New Orleans’ French Quarter and quickly became the city’s premier jewelry retailer. Today, Adler’s has locations in Baton Rouge, and Metairie, as well as its flagship store at 810 Canal St. in New Orleans, which has been in operation since 1902. Mickal is the Manager of the Baton Rouge store.

While Mickal Adler is selling high-end jewelry, Michael Matthews sells top of the line camping and outdoor equipment at his Baton Rouge store, The Backpacker. It is also a family-owned business. Michael’s father, Dale Matthews, opened the Backpacker in 1974.  Some 43 years later, The Backpacker has expanded into Lafayette, selling everything from skis to backpacks, kayaks, and all the gear needed to go along with it.

It’s family, on this edition of Out to Lunch.

Photos by Ken Stewart at Mansurs on the Boulevard.