The People Project:
Matthew Barattini
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | April 7, 2021
Meet Matthew Barattini!
Matthew is the owner of Ponchatoula's newest experience, The Escape Warehouse! (Opening soon: April 22!) Matthew is 21 years old and got his degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Business Management and Entrepreneurship in just 2.5 years!
Thanks to Matthew for taking some time to let us get to know him!
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I started in the haunt and entertainment industry back in 2014 and worked my way up to managing some other local experiences. I loved the industry and I wanted to bring the experience to Ponchatoula. It's a new concept of entertainment for the area.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: There really are no bad food spots. I love Paul's Cafe. I actually worked there for 3 years. I also like the new Toula Burger. Can't go wrong with either of those.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: I moved from Chalmette after Katrina. I attended Ponchatoula High School and fell in love with the area.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Going to Disney World. That's what really sparked my interest in escaping through entertainment.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I would love to go back to Italy. I went as a freshman in high school. I threw a coin in that fountain, so now I have to go back.
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: Probably The Conjuring. Or Insidious. Something scary. I love the production and how they can create such emotions through the screen. I think The Hangover was the first movie I saw in the theater.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Don't wait. Do things while you can. Doing things in the spur of the moment is okay!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Skydiving. I love an adrenaline rush!
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: Luke Combs or Ed Sheeran. They both just have a way with lyrics.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Definitely Paul's Cafe. It has that old town feel and it reminds you of what the town always has been. Becky is great at keeping that alive.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, dead or alive, who is it and where would you go?
A: Walt Disney. His creativity is so inspiring and I would want to ask him about how he did all the things he did.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The people. That's your biggest support group. But also the central location, because it is easy to experience other cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, etc.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Right here! The Escape Warehouse, but hopefully more locations, as well. I definitely want to stay in the entertainment industry.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: That I'm 21 years old opening my first business.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Ponchatoula.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A driver. I'm always doing things and that would allow me to keep working.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The laughing face with the tears.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Mind Reading
Matt was nominated by Faith Allen
He nominated Kim Zabbia
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
