Café Freret

Restaurant and Catering since 2001

When Carl Guidroz re-opened Café Freret in October 2005, he was one of the only restaurants open in his post-Katrina New Orleans neighborhood. But as more and more dining establishments returned to operation, his high volume slowed and the hurricane’s financial toll became more clear. In the intervening months, Café Freret has operated at only 50 to 60 percent of its pre-storm capacity. But with the help of a Business Recovery Grant he has begun to market his restaurant again, rebuild his website and partially fund his payroll.

“I would not have been able to stay open without the grant,” Carl says. “I put all the money I had left into reopening the business. I had exhausted my means. Without the grant, I would have had to close the restaurant.”

Today, Café Freret has long returned to serving its full menu, including the restaurant’s famous muffalettas, voted among the city’s top three in 2006 and 2007. And, its dog-friendly atmosphere continues to attract a loyal following. In 2008, Carl plans to roll out a new “à la collar” menu for his canine patrons. “We’re the only full-service dog-friendly restaurant in New Orleans. I think people like that. Because of the grant, we’re still here,” he says.