A longtime grocery staple in the French Quarter is closing its doors this week after nearly 100 years in business. Opened in 1924, Matassa's Market sits on the corner of St. Philip and Dauphine Street.
The market was hit hard by the pandemic, but it's been facing difficulties for a while. Co-owner Vincent Catalanotto Jr. said the decline in the area's residential population played a role in the Matassa's success, or lack thereof, throughout the pandemic.
"People say this is a great time for the grocery business and that's true, but not in the French Quarter," Catalanotto told the New Orleans Advocate.
When customers learned their corner market was going to close Thursday (January 14), they rushed to the store to say their goodbyes, both to the business and the people who run it.
"I think many people are sad that Matassa's is closing," said David Schulingkamp. "It was not only a convenience but Louis Matassa who ran this place had the heart and soul of so many of the community members."
Schulingkamp hopes the owners can figure out a way to keep the memory of Matassa's alive. While Catalanotto wouldn't comment on possibly selling the market, he too hopes it can return.
Photo: Getty Images