ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. – Situated on lively section of Burgundy Street, two blocks from St. Claude Avenue, Who Dat Coffee Café in the Marigny has become a go-to gathering place for nearby residents. It was established as a coffee shop nearly ten years ago, but it’s now a thriving café that offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch.
“I love what we’ve created,” said Craig Nero, the owner of Who Dat Coffee Café. “Every year, I set a goal and that goal pushes me to keep growing my business.”
One such goal – opening a second location – will soon come to fruition.
On Tuesday, June 18, a Who Dat Coffee Café will open at 9207 West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. The new eatery will feature the same quirky elements as the Marigny location, along with counter service – a convenience for morning commuters, and the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse employees and professionals who work in nearby law offices.
For now, Who Dat Coffee Café Chalmette will operate Mondays through Fridays, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and offer a full-service coffee bar, pastries, salads, quiches, and sandwiches.
The building that houses the coffee shop had been destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. But Merritt Larry Landry with Dutch Properties purchased property nearly a year ago and completely transformed its interior, paying close attention to detail.
“It’s a beautiful renovation. Merritt Landry Construction and I went above and beyond to ensure the standards were raised for surrounding businesses and property owners,” said Nero. “We’ve not only taken steps to grow Who Dat Coffee Café, but this is also an investment in a community that I love.”
The new location sits on a stretch of St. Bernard Highway that has experienced a flurry of activity over the last few years.
“Who Dat Coffee Café is a welcome addition to a main commercial corridor in Chalmette,” said Andrew Jacques, the executive director of St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation. “Not only will Who Dat Café bring employment opportunities and another quality of life amenity desired by our community, it also dramatically improves the appearance and façade of a building that was once an eyesore.”
