Blood may be thicker than water, but in New Orleans, some things transcend even family bonds. The Saints are one example. King cakes are another.
They’re only around for a short time every year, and everyone has their loyalties.
You can include one prominent local business-owner in that number. Despite marrying into a family known for the delectable Mardi Gras delicacy, Fleurty Girl owner Lauren LeBlanc Haydel has continued to carry Manny Randazzo’s king cakes exclusively in her stores.
LeBlanc Haydel detailed why in a recent comment on social media, explaining that Manny Randazzo allowed her to become the first retail distributor ever in the New Orleans metro area to sell his king cakes.
And 13 years later, she has stayed loyal to that agreement.
"It was actually in our wedding vows that I told Ryan, 'I will love you for the rest of my life; 'til death do us part. But I will always carry Manny Randazzo's king cakes at Fleurty Girl,'" Lauren Leblanc Haydel said. "And he still said, 'I do.'"
She also thanked her husband “for understanding that king cake loyalty runs deep.”