Category: Openings and Closings

Gennifer Flowers says she’s bringing back the Kelsto Club cabaret on St. Louis Street

Picture via Facebook
A cabaret once operated by a woman who claimed to have had an affair with former President Bill Clinton is making a return to its old St. Louis Street location, according to an announcement last week.

In a July 26 Facebook post, Gennifer Flowers announced that she will be reopening the Kelsto Club at 720 St. Louis St. Flowers initially opened the club in the early 2000s before it closed several years later.

Flowers made the news back in the early 1990s when she claimed to have had a 12-year-long affair with Clinton. Flowers came forward with her claim during Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Flowers said she will be reopening the Kelsto Club along with her friend Kitsy Adams, who was a close friend to the late Chris Owens. Local reports stated that Flowers hopes to have the club open by Labor Day, although she indicated on social media that an opening date will be posted soon.

When the club reopens, Flowers said she’ll be performing along with Mimi Guste on the piano and with jazz musician Tony Seville.

“You all have an invitation from me to please visit and say hi,” Flowers said on Facebook. “Lots of amazing entertainment besides myself and bottomless mimosas!!”

The Pothole opens on Decatur Street, has video game arcade

Picture via Facebook
The Pothole recently opened on Decatur Street, offering a place to imbibe while playing video games.

Located at 233 Decatur St., The Pothole recently held a soft opening on Thursday.

Business records show The Pothole is owned by MDK 233 Decatur LLC, whose officer is David Karno.

The bar’s website does not appear to be working, but at least it has a social media presence, which can be located at facebook.com/potholenola.

The Pelican Club on Exchange Place reopens July 12 with early COOLinary menu

Picture by Gary J. Wood | CC Flickr
The Pelican Club Restaurant and Bar will reopen Wednesday with an early COOLinary menu after taking a short break for summer vacation.

The restaurant indicated on its website that was closed from June 26 to July 11 for repairs and maintenance.

The COOLinary menu comes weeks in advance of New Orleans restaurant month, an annual tradition in which participating establishments offer multiple-course prix-fixe menus for lunch, dinner and brunch. This year’s restaurant month is from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.

The Pelican Club’s three-course COOLinary starts at $50 and will be available until Aug. 31. Visit the Pelican Club’s website for more information. Reservations can be made by calling 504-523-1504. The restaurant is located at 312 Exchange Pl. in the French Quarter.

More information on participating New Orleans restaurants month establishments can be found at neworleans.com.

Kako Gallery on Royal Street to close permanently, citing safety concerns

(Photo: Kako Gallery)
Kako Gallery, currently located at 733 Royal Street, announced Monday on social media that it will be closing in two months, citing safety concerns.

The art gallery listed Aug. 27 as its last day. Owner Vina Nguyen was a mayoral candidate who ran against LaToya Cantrell in November 2021, receiving 13.5% of the vote.

The business posted the following message on Monday:

Hello folks,

After many years of investment and great memories, we have decided to permanently close our 733 Royal Street location due to countless encounters that defines and reflects the city’s unsafeness. Our last day is August 27th.

For those that have supported us over the years, you can continue to purchase artwork online or visit our Denham Springs location that operates as a show floor and warehouse for wholesale art production. Thank you all for your continuous support over the years! God Bless.

Kako Team

Board of Zoning Adjustments upholds Decatur Street restaurant permits after citizen appeal

Guided public tours resume at Gallier, Hermann-Grima houses since start of COVID-19 pandemic

(Photo: Hermann-Grima House at 820 St. Louis St. | Reading Tom | CC Flickr)
Public tours at the Hermann-Grima and Gallier houses resumed earlier this month for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic more than a year ago.

Guided public tours resumed at both houses starting on June 4, according to an announcement by the museums on social media. Hermann-Grima House tours cost $15 and start on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In addition, Gallier House tours also cost $15 for one hour and run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

Both museums, which are operated by The Woman’s Exchange, initially closed their doors to the public shortly after the coronavirus pandemic was declared in March 2020.

The houses, which were designated as National Historic Landmarks in 1974, hold significance among architecture in the French Quarter.

The Hermann-Grima House, located at 820 St. Louis St., dates to 1831, when it was built for Samuel Hermann and his family. Hermann was a German-born immigrant and successful commodities broker. He tore down the original house after acquiring the two lots behind it and rebuilt it with the slave quarters and other buildings.

A market crash in 1837 forced Hermann to sell the house, slaves and other property following a bankruptcy. The home was owned by the Grima family from 1844 to 1921.

The house is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Federal style architecture in the French Quarter and is one of the few functional open-hearth kitchens in Louisiana, and has the “only” remaining original and intact stable in the French Quarter, according to the museum’s website.

The Gallier House, located at 1132 Royal St., was designed by architect James Gallier, Jr. and is a preserved 19th century example of wealthy family’s townhome in the French Quarter.

The home was completed in 1860 and includes several engineering innovations, indoor plumbing with hot and cold running water, and a double skylight. Although not original, the household decor was based on the home’s inventory, including several pieces of period decorative art.

The comfortable lifestyles families in houses such as these were made possible with enslaved people, who are interpreted on guided tours, according to the museum’s website.

For more information on the Hermann-Grima and Gallier houses, or to book a tour, visit hgghh.org.

Original Tujague’s neon sign will be duplicated, most likely won’t move to new location