Who Dat Coffee Café set to open second location in Chalmette
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Danielle F Martin, SBEDF Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives
(504) 277-4009
ST. BERNARD PARISH, LA — Who Dat Coffee Café has been a staple of the Marigny neighborhood for nearly 10 years. Owner Craig Nero remembers the humble beginnings, “First year it was just a coffee shop, then the next year we added pastries, and the year after that, a bar, then the kitchen.” His business has steadily grown and evolved into a thriving corner spot for friends, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy delicious food and good company. “I love what we’ve created, explains Craig. “Every year, I set a goal and that goal pushes me to keep growing my business.” Last year, that next goal became a leap when he decided to open a second location, just 5 miles away from the original.
Who Dat Coffee Café – Chalmette’s Grand Opening is on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 9207 West St. Bernard Highway. The Chalmette location will initially be open weekdays, Monday-Friday from 6am to 2pm. Craig explained the new location will bring the same eclectic flare as the Marigny location, but with counter service and convenience. “The Chalmette location will be quick for people commuting to work and the employees at the St. Bernard Parish Courthouse and surrounding law offices. It also gives us the space to have a dedicated kitchen for baked goods for both locations,” explains Craig. Who Dat Coffee Café – Chalmette will include a full-service coffee bar, pastries, salads, quiches, and sandwiches.
The new location is nestled in along a stretch of St. Bernard Highway that has seen increased business activity over the last two years. “Who Dat Coffee Café is a welcome addition to a main commercial corridor in Chalmette, explained Andrew Jacques, 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.”
When asked what most excites him about his new venture, Craig says he is proud of the building’s transformation and contributing to the revitalization of the area. “This building was in pretty bad shape. It had barely been gutted since Katrina,” mentioned Craig. “Merritt Larry Landry with Dutch Properties purchased the property last year and saw the building as an opportunity for them and me.”
Craig explained that every detail was considered from the art hanging on the walls to the interior detail work completed by Ian Andrus with reclaimed wood. “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. We’ve not only taken steps to grow Who Dat Coffee Café, but this is also an investment in a community that I love.”
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About the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
Serving as the official economic development organization in the parish, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to create and retain jobs, build prosperity, and improve the quality of life in St. Bernard. To learn more about SBEDF and its work, visit sbedf.org.
