B U S I N E S S
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L E A D E R S H I P quintessential New Orleans delight, it is fully prepared to thrive for future generations.
Century Strong
by Greta Honsberger
Honoring New Orleans’ Enduring Businesses
THE ENDURING HERITAGE THAT IS ANTOINE’S In 1840, Antoine Alciatore, a mere 18-year-old, embarked on a culinary venture that would continue for over 184 years. Starting as a humble boarding house with a small eatery, Antoine and his bride united their passion for food and hospitality. Their dedication quickly gained acclaim, requiring a larger space in 1868. Antoine’s legacy continues to thrive in that location through fifth-generation descendants of its founder, offering world-renowned FrenchCreole cuisine, impeccable service, and a unique atmosphere. Antoine’s offers more than culinary excellence; it provides dining occasions. From the outstanding cuisine to the flawless service of the waitstaff and countless cherished traditions, every aspect contributes to its iconic status as a New Orleans favorite for over 184 years. The perfectly orchestrated combination of these features is why Antoine’s has stood the challenging test of time. At the core of Antoine’s lies its devoted staff, who are a family. Many have served for generations, rooted in a familial bond that defines the restaurant’s essence. This family atmosphere has been pivotal in sustaining Antoine’s status as the oldest dining establishment in New Orleans. By blending time-honored traditions with contemporary tastes, Antoine’s has remained relevant and prosperous for over 184 years.
IN THIS SPECIAL Business and Leadership issue, Inside New Orleans is proud to highlight some timeless centuryold establishments that have significantly shaped the city’s business landscape. We salute their remarkable legacy as we pay tribute to innovation, resilience, and leadership. HUBIG’S PIES: A SCRUMPTIOUS LEGACY For over a century, Hubig’s Pies has been a treasured institution in New Orleans, evoking a sense of tradition and nostalgia with each delectable bite. Founded in 1921 by Simon Hubig, the bakery has steadfastly upheld its heritage, crafting pies using time-honored recipes and techniques handed down through generations. What distinguishes Hubig’s is its unwavering commitment to consistency, with pies still lovingly made by hand on vintage machinery. A staple in school lunch boxes and on fishing trips, Hubig’s pies have become a cherished part of countless memories for locals and visitors alike. Despite facing challenges like Hurricane Katrina and a devastating fire in 2012, Hubig’s resilience and the community’s undying support have ensured its continued success. Today, as a thirdgeneration family-owned business, Hubig’s Pies is still delighting taste buds and warming hearts. As Hubig’s Pies commemorates over a century as a
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I n side N e w O rl e an s
ROMAN CANDY: NEW ORLEANS’ SWEETEST TRADITION For over a century, the streets of New Orleans have been graced by the familiar clip-clop of horse hooves belonging to the unmistakable Roman Candy cart full of gourmet taffy. What began as a simple sweet treat for family members blossomed into a beloved New Orleans tradition. Crafted by Angelina Napoli Cortese, her 12-year-old son Sam, a street vendor, occasionally sold leftover candy from his fruit and vegetable wagon. In response to the high demand, he began selling candy regularly, but Angelina was too busy to make candy daily. Sam’s ingenious solution was to make the taffy himself as the cart rolled down the street, a tradition that still continues in Sam’s original cart. Ron Kotteman and his son Daniel continue the family business today, traveling from Uptown to downtown to the