For many New Orleanians fleeing a flooded city to the western parishes of Lake Charles, Vermillion and Calcasieu, almost a generation earlier, evacuees were welcomed with open arms, kindness, and understanding.
Over the last few days, New Orleans has gotten the opportunity to show those who helped in the time of Katrina, the same hospitality with those fleeing the destruction of Laura.
Many evacuees are staying at the Renaissance on Tchoupitoulas and at the Hilton Riverside among others nearby.
With time to kill they’ve wandered the streets of the Warehouse District and sought out many of the small eateries.
Speaking with restaurant operators in the Warehouse District the evacuees represent more than just a bump in business, and a refreshing breath of life after the solemnity of COVID pandemic.
This is a chance for more than just pushing spirits and hamburgers.
“We’re right down the street from the Renaissance Hotel which is housing a lot of folks,” says Anthony Gregory, General Manager of Barcadia. “They’ve been coming in, enjoying some of the food we have to offer, really nice people.”
It’s a chance for New Orleans to do what she does best, be hospitable.
“That’s what we’ve been offering—the best side of hospitality—as far as making this home their home,” says Jessica, the top chef at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant.
“We actually had, just a couple days ago, someone celebrated their birthday, and, as always, we just take care of them the best way that we can,” Jessica says. “They’ve already suffered enough as far as not having a home, so I feel the best we can do is make this feel like their home.”
We found it that way around much of the local establishments in the Warehouse District.
Jeff Hof runs Grand Isle Seafood Restaurant on Fulton Street.
“We are seeing somewhat of a bump, yes,” Hof says. But as he talks about his clientele who are evacuees you can see his connection and understanding of their plight.
“We’ve some people who have opened up to us, they’ve lost everything, they’ve been very grateful for the hospitality they’ve been receiving,” Hof says. “They’ve told us that New Orleans has really embraced them and they really appreciate it.”
