Let’s play word association for a moment. “Food court.” Go!
What comes to mind? Elementary school? The airport? The mall? How about entrepreneurship!
While entrepreneurship might not be the first thing you think of when you think about a food court, Roux Carre is setting out to change all that. This beautifully conceived spot on Oretha Castle Haley is equal parts open-air food market and entrepreneurial incubator for local food businesses. Learn more about Roux Carre below.
The outdoor courtyard at Roux Carre. (Photo via Roux Carre)
To Market, To Market
Roux Carre sits within a historically thriving commercial corridor on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Once again, this area is coming into prominence with exciting new projects like the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market, and, of course, Roux Carre.
Roux Carre’s business model features a low overhead and low costs, making it accessible for aspiring food businesses. These entrepreneurial vendors in turn hire locals to assist with the day-to-day running of their food service businesses while also attracting local diners to come in and try new foods at a reasonable price. New Orleans’ food scene has long served as a microcosm for its population: a mix of many cultures and influences that combines to create something unforgettable and delicious. Roux Carre is no exception, offering delightful foods from yaka mein – a New Orleans favorite – to pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish that harks back to our Latin heritage.
Minorities in the Spotlight
Through its food and its vendors, Roux Carre is all about cultural vibrancy. The market gives preference to minority- and women-owned vendors to break down divisions in the community and foster a sense of purpose and responsibility.
The market is a project of the Good Work Network, who shares the same mission to elevate minority groups. Good Work Network provides food service and retail training, back-office assistance, small business coaching, and entrepreneurial wrap-up support to all of its minority vendors.
The market also features a Youth Empowerment Program vendor, The Juice Box, which works with neighborhood youth to teach development and leadership skills.
Enjoying Entrepreneurship through Food
The best way to foster entrepreneurship at Roux Carre is to simply give it a try! Your patronage directly supports the market and its commitment to local food entrepreneurs.
The market is located on 2000 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. and is currently open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The current vendors are:
- Esralita’s Express: A soul-food inspired menu with offerings like seafood gumbo, and hot sausage po-boys, and mini sweet potato pies
- Johnny’s Jamaican Grill: Big flavors like curry and jerk take you on a culinary trip to Jamaica
- Splendid Pig: Taste New Orleans favorites like a cochon de lait po-boy and Andouille crab cake
- The Pupusa Lady: Salvadoran flavors and plenty of cheese!
- The Juice Box: Wash it all down with The Juice Box, a Youth Empowerment Project program that offers horchata, coffee, tea, and more