What a time to be alive in New Orleans. We are consistently surrounded by history everywhere we go, even at the restaurants we eat.
Today, one of the oldest restaurants in the city announced its relocation. Tujague’s, the second oldest, continuously running restaurant in New Orleans, is moving from its home at 823 Decatur and heading down the street to 429 Decatur. Tujague’s will take the place of the old Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, which closed late last year.
Mark Latter, Tujague’s current owner, hopes to be all moved in by next August. The renovation at 429 Decatur Street is slated to begin soon, but their current location will still be open until the big move.
The restaurant has been at their current longtime home dating back to the 1910s, but the Tujague’s itself has been around since the 1850s. Since then, the restaurant has persevered through some tough times in the city. And with perseverance comes change and evolution, something that Latter says is what this move comes down to.
“In the early 20th century, Tujague’s Restaurant moved from their original Decatur Street location to the corner of Decatur and Madison,” says Poppy Tooker, local personality and author of Tujague’s Cookbook. “By relocating to a third Decatur Street address, the Latter family is ensuring that New Orleans’ treasured food traditions will continue just as they have for over 160 years.”
With a focus on preserving Tujague’s history and the original restaurant, the interior of the new restaurant will feature a replica of the original bar from the early 19th century.
Latter Hospitality will share more detailed plans for the new location over the course of the next year. Stay up-to-date on all announcements by following Tujague’s on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.tujaguesrestaurant.com.