Category: Openings and Closings

Betty’s Bar and Bistro, formerly 700 Club, closes permanently due to COVID-19 restrictions

(Photo: The former location of Betty’s Bar and Bistro and 700 Club | Infrogmation CC)
Betty’s Bar and Bistro, located at 700 Burgundy Street, closed due to business restrictions from New Orleans city officials because of COVID-19.

The owner(s) of the bar announced its closure in a social media post on Sunday following failed rent negotiations.

The business closure comes amid several others in the French Quarter due to the coronavirus restrictions instituted by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in the months following start of the pandemic on March 11.

The LGBTQ bar was the former location of 700 Club before opening as Betty’s in February.

“As everyone knows, COVID-19 and the global pandemic has substantially impacted businesses, none more so than bars and restaurants,” the post read. “After months of failed attempts to reach an agreement with our landlord, we have no choice other than to close permanently.

“Betty’s was 100% committed to giving back to our community,” the owner(s) wrote.

Prior to closing, volunteers used the bar as a space to provide meals to unemployed hospitality workers in the city.

The owner(s) encouraged residents to support friends and family, and local businesses during the pandemic.

Read Betty’s full post here.

Tableau restaurant reopens for weekend pop-up dining

(Photo: Via Google Maps)
Tableau restaurant, located at 616 St. Peter Street, reopened Friday for dining on the weekends.

The Dickie Brennan-owned restaurant announced earlier this month that outdoor dining will resume in the courtyard and its wraparound balcony from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The restaurant’s menu includes signature dishes, such as barbecue shrimp and grits, creme brulee and $12 carafes of mimosas.

A reservation is recommended and can be made online or by calling 504-934-3463.

Tableau closed shortly after COVID-19 shutdowns in March, but continued to offer to-go service, although that was discontinued less than a week later.

In July, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell limited restaurants with food permits to only 50% capacity as a measure to reduce spread of the coronavirus.

“Nothing quite captures the essence of New Orleans like sipping a cocktail on a balcony overlooking Jackson Square,” Brennan said. “We’re trying to restore a sense of normalcy to our community and bring back those special moments we all miss, in the safest way possible.”

Port of Call reopens again

Port of Call reopens again

(Photo: Dave Minsky)
A French Quarter burger joint has reopened again less than two weeks after briefing closing their doors following a to-go alcohol ban in the city last month.

Port of Call, located at 838 Esplanade Avenue, reopened Friday and for takeout and limited reserved outdoor seating. There is no indoor seating yet.

The restaurant announced on Aug. 5 that it will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Port of Call abruptly closed on July 25, one day after reopening following the COVID-19 shutdown and following a ban on to-go alcohol by New Orleans LaToya Cantrell in an effort to slow coronavirus spread.

Port of Call briefly opens, abruptly closes; promises to reopen

Glass Magick, gift shop on Toulouse Street known for hosting psychic readings, closes permanently due to COVID-19 restrictions

(Photo: Google Maps)
Glass Magick, a French Quarter boutique gift shop specializing in glassware made by local artists, announced that it is permanently closing due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The store announced its closure on social media July 28.

“Everyone has been going through some of the toughest trials these past few months, and it does factor into my decision, but, truth be told….I am looking forward to being retired and letting go of some of my full time responsibilities,” according to the shop’s owner, who wished to not be identified.

The shop, located at 713 Toulouse St., sold glassware and jewelry on consignment from local artists and also featured readings by psychics.

The store initially closed in late March as the first round of coronavirus restrictions went into place and reopened after restrictions were loosened in June, although business since then has been extremely sparse, the owner said.

Coupled with sharp drop in business stemming from the restrictions, including contact tracing requirements, the shop’s owner wasn’t able to cut a deal with the landlord and will close its doors on Sept. 1.

The owner also blamed a widespread refusal to wear masks, which she said is contributing to the rise in coronavirus cases across New Orleans.

“They need to be a little bit more stringent with wearing masks,” the owner said. “The reason it’s spreading is because there’s no social distancing and no masks.

“Everyone gives you crap because they don’t want to wear a mask,” the owner said.

Glass Magick operated for 27 years, according to the owner, including 14 years on Toulouse Street, opening Labor Day weekend in 2006. The shop was brought to New Orleans from the owner’s native region of the U.S., where she will move back to retire.

Port of Call briefly opens, abruptly closes; promises to reopen

Bourbon Street’s Beerfest closes after second round of COVID-19 restrictions

(Photo: Gary J. Wood | CC Flickr)
Beerfest, a taproom located at 410 Bourbon St., has permanently closed, according to a company employee.

Beerfest closed a day after the second round of COVID-19 restrictions announced on July 11, although the bar struggled financially before the pandemic, according to a company worker, who didn’t want to be named because it could affect their employment status.

The bar’s last day was July 12 and the second round of restrictions went into effect on July 13.

At least five people lost their jobs, including managers and bartenders, according to the employee.

Beerfest’s owner is listed as Guy Olano, Jr., according to public filings.

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.