A longtime vendor at Festival International de Louisiane will not be a part of this year’s event. The owners of local restaurant Zeus say festival leaders have rejected their application.

Festival International Executive Director Missy Paschke-Wood explains all the vendors must sign an agreement to comply with the festival rules. “It’s always disappointing when a vendor breaks the rules.”

Wood would not confirm why the owners of Zeus – The Balbeisi Restaurant Group – were turned away from participating this year. “Everyone is warned and again everyone agrees to the rules.  They all sign a document when they agree to be a vendor.  It’s so sad when things don’t work-out the way everybody hopes,” explains Paschke-Wood.

The Balbeisi Group spokesperson says the owners of zeus are disappointed about being denied, especially after 14 years of participating. “Not being able to be a part of it over playing music and having some belly dancers as a part of the flavor of Zeus is disappointing,” says spokesperson Amy Jones.

The Balbeisi group intends to remain dedicated and supportive of the festival. “They’ve done everything they can to be a good friend to the festival down to hosting events for them, giving discounts on catering and even at times doing financial donations to the festival,” adds Jones.

“Unfortunately, we have no record of any financial contributions or sponsorship from Zeus or the Balbeisi Companies,” adds Wood.