While the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic saw restaurant closures across the country and our region, something different was quietly beginning in Algiers. Since 2020, more than 20 new restaurants, pop-ups, commercial packaged products, and farmers markets have sprung up across the Algiers community.
At the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF), we wanted to better understand what was driving this delicious spike in new food-based businesses and how our organization could best support them, so in July, AEDF launched our first-ever Food & Beverage Ecosystem report — an attempt to quantify the change, impact and opportunity of these quintessentially New Orleans entrepreneurs.
We found that we’re rich in talent and diversity, with almost all new establishments opened by native Algiers residents. Restaurants like Plume Algiers, Tonti’s Hand, The Vault, The Little House, and Barracuda have begun attracting diners to the Old Algiers neighborhood, while downriver in Algiers, Two Phat Vegans, Saved by the Juice, and Grab a Green have created an exciting micro-ecosystem of Black-owned, health-conscious restaurants.
The Strengths
Algiers offers unique and valuable technical resources as well. The University of Holy Cross (UHC) offers a bachelor of science degree in food science, a program that can assist local entrepreneurs with important technical assistance like nutritional labeling and government certifications like ServSafe. With institutional support like that of UHC, Algiers can affordably attract, grow and sustain entrepreneurs from an idea to restaurant or retail without needing to leave our community.
The report also found that affordability factored into our growth. Algiers still offers comparatively affordable commercial real estate; our 2021 Small Business Survey found that across Algiers, 55% of small businesses own their storefront. Commercial property ownership has led to a more stable small business environment, with less eviction than businesses faced in more expensive neighborhoods during the pandemic.
The Challenges
While affordability, talent and a passion for the community have been major strengths in Algiers, we also found there are deep, unmet needs in networking and supportive infrastructure. Most businesses, especially restaurants, struggled most with attracting East Bank customers. While some Algiers-based restaurants have attracted local media attention, many New Orleanians haven’t yet considered a trip across the river for dinner or a night out. Plume Algiers, a local gem serving some of the best Indian cuisine in town, has even adopted the slogan “CROSS THE DAMN BRIDGE” on its merchandise.
Industry-wide, the shortage of food preparation space and supportive infrastructure like commissary kitchens, commercial packaged goods facilities, and other shared prep and production spaces make it difficult for our businesses to scale and grow. The addition of Algiers’ first farmers market in recent memory, Bounyful Market, has led to a growing popularity of several local bakers, chefs and farmers, who, given resources like a commissary kitchen, would grow their enterprises to local grocery shelves.
The Opportunity
AEDF hopes to use this report to drive positive change for our food industry, including an advertising campaign identifying Algiers as the next great dining destination in town. We also hope to see improved signage at the East Bank Algiers ferry terminal, helping locals and tourists alike find their way to all the great local businesses in our neighborhoods.
Last year, Algiers saw so many new businesses open that AEDF invested in a pair of giant golden scissors. They’ve been put to good use, welcoming new restaurants, real estate offices, healthcare facilities, and yoga studios across the community. We’re proud to be a place where locally owned, family-operated, diverse businesses can thrive.
The next time you’re looking for a night out, we hope that you’ll cross that damn bridge and come say cheers in Algiers.
Kelsey foster is executive director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation. She may be reached via email at kfoster@algierseconomic.com.
