St. Roch Market Turns 150
Hey all,
On May 1st. 1875 St. Roch Market first opened. Ever since, it has been, arguably, the most important landmark of New Orleans' culinary history. Besides a decade long closure after Katrina, which we'll set aside for now, St. Roch Market has been a gathering place for food on this stretch of neutral ground for 150 years.
Its usage has continually evolved to meet the times. Not just 10 years ago, but over and over in different ways for the past 150 years that no one alive today can remember. It's been a true honor of mine to be at the helm of such an important landmark.
It's not hyperbole to say gumbo was once a new dish. Its ingredients and recipes were exchanged within these historic walls. Today, our vendors come from diverse backgrounds, living and working in New Orleans. They're working in close quarters, trading ideas and flavors downstairs right now as I type this. The next great, famous, New Orleans dish is being created here today.
In its recent history, St. Roch Market didn't just launch my CR Coffee Shop, but also Daily Beet, Fritai, and Good Bird, businesses actively making New Orleans a better place. It's because of the magic that has been, and continues to be, cooked up in this 150 year old landmark.
Join us all through 2025 as we celebrate, not only what St. Roch Market was, but more importantly, how we're using it to change lives and the future of New Orleans.
I'm also pumped to release our first piece of 150 merch a new Comfort Colors t-shirt with the new 150 logo. The 1 is one of our columns, the 5 is stylized from the S on the sign, the 0 is one of our iconic circle windows. It's in a dusty green color that evokes the color on building and its signage.
Let me know what other merch item you'd like to see the 150 logo on. I want to do more as the year goes on. Every purchase matters, as it helps preserve the market, not as a museum, but as a thriving hub for food.
Do check out the history of St. Roch Market I wrote over on the website for a detailed history of the market. And join me as we celebrate this huge milestone for our beloved home.
Meet me at St. Roch,
Kevin Pedeaux
