Call Center Company in New Orleans, LA

A bill that attempted to add a layer of legislative oversight to the governor’s picks for the Port of New Orleans board was officially sunk Monday with Gov. Landry’s veto pen.

Senate Bill 89 by Sen. Joseph Bouie, D-New Orleans, would have required the Senate to approve the governor’s picks for members of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. The measure received unanimous approval from both chambers of the legislature.

Currently, the governor has sole authority to choose port board members nominated by a coalition of organizations from Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard Parish. The nominating organizations are made up of university leaders, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. Members of the board serve for five-year terms.

Landry cited “an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy” as grounds for nixing the bill in his veto message, saying the port board selection process was sufficiently rigorous.

“Appointments are locally driven, carefully vetted, and rooted in industry expertise and community representation,” reads Landry’s veto message. “Adding a Senate confirmation requirement would complicate a system that already includes substantial input, oversight, and structure.”

The Port Board of Commissioners is made up of four members from New Orleans, three from Jefferson Parish and one from St. Bernard Parish. As the sixth-largest port in the United States, the Port of New Orleans handles shipments of hundreds of cargo types, from consumer goods such as coffee, clothes and food to industrial materials including metals, wood and rubber.

A major hub of global commerce, the Port of New Orleans ships more than 74 million tons of goods a year, according to a 2025 U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics report.

In a food city as brilliant and crowded as New Orleans, restaurants can frequently come and go, and 2025 has proved to be no different for the food and dining industry.

Nearly 20 restaurants and bars have shuttered their businesses halfway through the year and owners are hunkering down to brace for another hot summer, the slowest time of year for the city's service industry.

Eight restaurants have already shut their doors in the last month ahead of the slump, and others, like Boucherie, are preparing to temporarily close during peak slow months.

As we prepare for the summer blues, here a look back at what restaurants have closed so far.

Chef Nina Compton closed her Bywater restaurant known for its modern American menu at the end of May after 7 years in operation, choosing to focus her energy elsewhere.

Compton and husband also own Compere Lapin, a James Beard winning restaurant that combines the flavors of Caribbean and Creole cuisines, which will remain open in the Warehouse District.

French eatery Justine closed the doors to its French Quarter restaurant on May 25, serving their last meal just ahead of the city's summer slump.

The restaurant, which owners Mia and Justin Devillier called their "love letter from Paris, told from New Orleans," originally opened in 2019.

Asian fusion restaurants Maypop and MoPho, both owned by chef Michael Gulotta and business partner Jeff Bybee, both closed on May 4.

For Maypop, the restaurants final nail in the coffin was a building collapse that has since left rubble and safety barriers blocking the business' front entrance.

Gulotta and Bybee have floated the idea of opening a slimmed down version of MoPho in the future, but no plans have been solidified. The MoPho location inside Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner remains open.

After 25 years of serving up smoked meats and drinks downtown, the barbecue joint closed its doors over Memorial Day weekend.

Owners said the closing was a back-and-forth decision for them, saying their hearts were "full and heavy" as they decided to cease operations.

The restaurant's former owners are ow embarking on a new adventure — taking over Yum's Cafe in Grand Isle.

After location changes and a legal battle for the bar's name, Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar, owned by Jeffrey Carreras, permanently shuttered its Magazine location at the end of May.

The bar had only been at its 3226 Magazine St. since early last year, but it previously operated at 2604 Magazine St. for more than a dozen years.

The Channel currently operates at the 2604 Magazine St. location.

The New Orleans brewery opened in a former historic movie theater served customers for a final time on June 1 after 5 years in business.

The spot was known for its pop-ups, live music and community events it held throughout the week.

Though this Mid-City restaurant was only open for a year, its owners have been staple in the New Orleans food scene at Jazz Fest for years.

Troy and Cherie Brocato decided to close their brick-and-mortar shop in May, turning their focus to their long-standing catering business.

Though the Brocatos are mulling opening another restaurant, there is not currently a timeline for a new location.

The Mid-City Philly Cheesesteak spot, one of the few places in New Orleans to get an authentic Philadelphia staple, closed its doors to customers in March.

The restaurant started as a weekly pop up at Bud Rips Old 9th Ward Bar in 2017 and later opened its permanent spot on Banks Street in 2018.

Owners cited the rising costs of ingredients, insurance hikes and a looming lease renewal as reasons for the closure.

The Covington-based bakery known for its coffee and baked goods closed its Uptown location on Maple Street earlier this year.

Since the location's closing, French Truck Coffee has moved into the space, making it the 13th location of the franchise.

The bakery still operates their Covington location at 118 W 32nd Ave. and operates a booth at City Market on Elysian Fields Avenue.

The popular Algiers Point French bistro and bar closed in February after 2 years in business.

The neighborhood restaurant was known for its vast French offerings and other casual bites as well as hosting various community events.

The restaurant's chef Chet Henderson mentioned on social media that he would be transitioning to a new opportunity in Austin, but did not give a reason for Tonti's closure.

After the electric bistro in the Marigny shut down in March, a new restaurant has already opened in its place.

The Franklin, known for its happy hour deals and bright neighborhood feel, operated at 2600 Dauphine St. for 11 years.

Shortly after the closure, Evviva moved in, reuniting a cast of pros the Link Restaurant Group. The new Italian spot is operated by Heather Lolley and Humberto Suazo, who run the Bywater taco hotspot Galaxie. And in the kitchen is executive chef Rebecca Wilcomb, who won a James Beard award in 2017 while working at Herbsaint.

NEW ORLEANS — This Friday, June 6, is National Donut Day, and New Orleans bakeries and cafes are rolling out tasty deals and freebies to satisfy your sweet tooth.

National Donut Day, celebrated every first Friday in June, began in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies—women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. Their efforts not only boosted morale on the front lines but also helped make donuts a beloved treat back home.

Visit website for a location near you

The cafe is giving away a free donut hole with every "holey" donut purchase, while supplies last. When you buy a ring-shaped donut and the missing center on Joe.

3305 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA

The first 50 customers will get a free gift bag of candy. The bakery is even hiding five Golden Tickets inside their dozen donut boxes.

Be sure to stop by this Friday June 6th as we celebrate National Donut Day Willy Wonka Style! In true Wonka fashion the...

Posted by Bakers Dozen on Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Offering free donut with any beverage purchase and introducing their limited-edition collection with Stoney Clover Lane.

Learn more here and find a location near you.

Krispy Kreme is asking customers which flavor donut, from Original Glazed to Blueberry Cake, they want for free on National Donut Day. You can submit your pick on their socials and visit a shop near you.

Lights. Camera. Glazing. ???????? The casting call is officially open for National Doughnut Day! Friday, June 6th, celebrate...

Posted by Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on Tuesday, June 3, 2025

501 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA

The speciality donut shop is taking the day to honor and help women and men who serve in the military. Every donut sold will be donated to a selected military charity and there may be some freebies. Learn more here.

NEW ORLEANS —

A beloved French Quarter restaurant is closing Memorial Day weekend after six years of service.

The restaurant posted on Instagram it will close its doors on Sunday, May 25 and thanked the community for making Justine's tenure "nothing short of exceptional."

"From lively jazz brunches and Friday Before Mardi Gras lunches, to celebratory dinners, late night revelry, and celebrations full of love, thank you for allowing us to play a small role in some of your biggest moments."

Justine opened in early 2019, but had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justine says they welcome friends and neighbors to join them in bidding the restaurant adieu over the next two weeks.

Here is the full statement from Justine:

A farewell from Team Justine:

With heavy hearts, we share that Justine will close its doors on Sunday, May 25. We would like to thank the community for making Justine’s tenure on Chartres Street nothing short of exceptional.

To our devoted team, our wonderful guests, and our special city of New Orleans: we are so grateful for the time you spent with us over the past six and a half years. From lively jazz brunches and Friday Before Mardi Gras lunches, to celebratory dinners, late night revelry, and celebrations full of love, thank you for allowing us to play a small role in some of your biggest moments. Those memories will keep the spirit of Justine alive far beyond our final day of service.

We welcome friends and neighbors to join us in bidding the restaurant adieu over the next two weeks in true New Orleans fashion: with playful cocktails, vibrant atmosphere, and iconic French cuisine. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, and walk-ins are always welcome.

With gratitude, Mia and Justin Devillier.

Should the Saints sign the former Pro Bowler?

In this story:

Published May 17, 2025

Home/Saints News

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Takedown Policy

Terms and Conditions

SI Accessibility Statement

© 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates, licensees and related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.