Shreveport Business Owners Honored by NSU’s School of Business

Northwestern State University alumni Phil Barbaree and Bob Kirchoff were inducted into the university’s School of Business Hall of Distinction. The former college buddies are founders of Superior Grill, Superior’s Steakhouse and Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurants.

Barbaree is a Shreveport native. Kirchoff is from Minden. The two opened their first restaurant, Superior Bar and Grill, in Shreveport in 1983. From there, the restaurant expanded to locations in Baton Rouge in 1991, Birmingham, Ala., in 1995 and New Orleans in 1998. Cocina Superior opened in Birmingham in 2006. The restaurants are consistently rated the most popular Mexican eateries intheir respective cities. Superior’s Steakhouse opened in Shreveport in 2003. Their newest venture and seventh restaurant, Superior Seafood, opened in at the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon avenues in New Orleans in February.

Inductees into Northwestern State’s School of Business Hall of Distinction are individuals who have provided guidance and/or significant contribution to the School of Business.

Barbaree graduated in 1976 and Kirchoff in 1977. Both earned degrees in business and were members of the President’s Council and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The two were already in business together in the early 1980's when they opened a bar and grill inspired by a Houston establishment that served good Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. The Baton Rouge restaurant has served as the site for alumni gatherings in conjunction with athletic events.

"We love Northwestern," Barbaree said.

"I'm very proud of their achievements and thank them both for all they do not only for Northwestern State, but also how they have represented Northwestern State within their communities," said Tony Hernandez, development officer for the Northwestern State School of Business.