12 May 2023
Plus, a second New Orleans Starbucks votes on unionizing, next steps for Rahm Haus founder, and an exciting winery takes shape in Covington
New Orleans po’ boy institution Parkway Bakery & Tavern celebrated the opening of Jay’s Place on Instagram this week, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and what else, a giant po’ boy-shaped cake. Named after owner Jay Nix, photos show an elegant, old-school bar made of dark wood and decorated with retro New Orleans beer paraphernalia and a small dining room, captioned with: “This hidden gem was created for Parkway’s customers — where locals can get away from the hustle and bustle, and where folks from out of town can enjoy the ultimate Parkway VIP treatment. We’ll keep Jay’s Place on the low for now, but let’s just say: IYKYK.” Eater has reached out to Parkway for more information.
The Starbucks unionization movement continues in New Orleans
The Poydras Street Starbucks is poised to vote on forming a union sometime between May 18 and 22, reports the Times-Picyaune/New Orleans Advocate. If employees vote in favor of a union, it would join the Starbucks on Maple Street, which voted to unionize in June 2022. In that case, Starbucks fired the worker that helped lead the effort a few weeks after employees filed for union recognition, in what is just one example of ongoing managerial and corporate opposition to the unionization efforts that began at the company in 2021.
Rahm Haus ice cream artist announces new pastry chef gig
Rahm Haus is officially closed for business — for now — but fans of Jillian Duran’s artisan ice cream can catch her in a new role as pastry chef at a restaurant taking shape in Old Metairie, Garrison Kitchen + Cocktails. The restaurant, located at 2929 Metairie Road, will offer a “family dining experience and a lush garden environment” according to the website.
Vending Machine Wines founders launch Covington vineyard
After buying the former Pontchartrain Vineyards on the Northshore last year, the couple that founded Vending Machine Wines recently reopened it as Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard, reports the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate. Monica Bourgeois and Neil Gernon now run a dreamy-looking winery and vineyard in Bush, Louisiana, where they have begun growing grapes for eventual Louisiana winemaking (for now, the wines they serve are made from grapes grown in California and Oregon, but finished and bottled onsite). Wild Bush is currently hosting an outdoor music series, with dates coming up on May 20 and June 3.