A Historic Beacon of Culinary Innovation in New Orleans Since 1875

Welcome to St. Roch Market, a historic public market building and a vibrant community hub located at the bustling intersection of St. Roch and St. Claude Avenues. Since its origins in the 19th century, our market has stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of New Orleans.

Our History

The journey of St. Roch Market began on May 1, 1875, when it opened at the corner of St. Roch Avenue and St. Claude Avenue. Originally known as Washington Market, this open-air market was constructed under a franchise agreement with Joseph Nocas Raymond. It was strategically placed on Washington Avenue, which was later renamed St. Roch Avenue in honor of the nearby St. Roch Cemetery, opened in 1874.

The original Washington Market, built in 1838, was located in what is now the Bywater neighborhood at the corner of Louisa and Moreau (now Chartres) streets. It served as a vital community hub but was repurposed in 1844 as a facility for reforming and housing vagrants. The old market was eventually replaced by Washington School following an ordinance in 1899.

The present St. Roch Market site, initially established as Washington Market, became a cornerstone for the St. Roch neighborhood, which was then called “New Marigny.” Real estate speculators were hard at work even back then! This area thrived under the influence of Father Peter Leonard Thevis, a German Catholic priest who supported the community during the Yellow Fever epidemic. In gratitude to St. Roch, the patron saint of plague and disease, Father Thevis named the cemetery and its chapel after the saint, leading to the eventual renaming of the street and market sometime between 1893 and 1896.

The most striking architectural feature of St. Roch Market is its towering white cast iron columns, which were salvaged from the New Orleans Free Market. This market, which opened on August 16, 1861, at the foot of Canal Street, was constructed during the early days of the Civil War in response to severe economic depression and widespread hunger. Built in 1859 as a water works station, the ornate cast iron building was repurposed to provide free goods to struggling families, becoming a crucial lifeline during turbulent times. Though the Free Market was short-lived, closing after Union troops captured New Orleans in 1862, the building itself remained until it was demolished in 1874.

The columns were then relocated to St. Roch Market, where they have since served a vital structural role. Today, these massive cast iron columns not only dominate the visual landscape of the market but also support its entire weight.

In 1914, architect Sam Stone Jr. was commissioned to renovate the market. His plans included enclosing the open-air market with low brick walls and expanding the building with a two-story addition on the Marais Street side. The perimeter was also increased with the addition of separate "comfort stations" for public use. The building’s structure was originally built to support an iron water tank 32 feet wide, 144 feet long, and six feet deep.

In 1937, a significant renovation took place under the Works Progress Administration program. This renovation included removing two column bays from the front of the building on the St. Claude Avenue side, moving the building away from St. Claude Avenue by approximately 32 feet. The original façade was preserved and reattached to the new front. The WPA also reduced the two entrances to one centrally located entrance.

In the mid-20th century, St. Roch Market saw a colorful period under the operation of the Lama family, who managed it from 1945 until the late 1980s. This era was marked by the market’s transformation into a bustling corner store, serving up plate lunches, and famously, seafood. Following the Lama family, a Chinese immigrant family took over, continuing the tradition of serving plate lunches until Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The most recent major makeover, prompted by the levee failures following Hurricane Katrina, was completed in 2015 after a comprehensive rehabilitation. Surviving again plans for demolition and outlasting floods, St. Roch Market was revitalized with the support of FEMA and state funding. This renovation honored the market's historical roots while paving the way for a modern culinary scene. The project included the installation of a new metal roof, the cleaning and waterproofing of exterior brick, and the construction of cobblestone plazas for outdoor gatherings. The market's interior was designed as a flexible space with modern HVAC, sprinkler systems, and ample natural light through rehabilitated windows. St. Roch Market reopened in 2015 in the style of a modern food hall.

Today's St. Roch Market

In October 2023, Kevin Pedeaux, the owner of CR Coffee Shop and a long-time vendor, took over operations of the market. With a passion for its history and a vision for its future, Kevin has committed to preserving the market’s legacy while fostering a nurturing ground for new culinary talents.

With 12 vendors filling its historic stalls, St. Roch Market offers a diverse taste of local and international cuisines, all under one roof. Each vendor is carefully selected for their unique flavors, ensuring that every visit is an opportunity to experience the culinary creativity that defines today’s New Orleans.

Join Us

Visit St. Roch Market to experience New Orleans’ dynamic present, inside a treasured piece of its past. Create tomorrow’s history with every visit to St. Roch Market.