NEW ORLEANS The family that runs the historic Galatoire’s here has taken on two local businessmen as partners and reorganized ownership.
Todd Trosclair, owner of All Star Electric in St. Charles, La., acquired a stake in the restaurant Tuesday, Galatoire’s said. Terms of the deal were not released. Later Wednesday, John Georges, a New Orleans mayoral candidate, said he had also invested in the restaurant. Georges is chairman of Georges Enterprises, which is involved in grocery distribution, marine services and arcade entertainment.
The restaurant, opened by Jean Galatoire in 1905, has been run by a board with a large number of Galatoire’s descendents. Galatoire family member David Gooch remains with the management team. Melvin Rodrigue, chief operating officer of Galatoire’s Restaurant and Galatoire’s Bistro in Baton Rouge, and Brian Landry, executive chef, will continue to oversee daily management of both Galatoire’s locations.
No staff or menu changes are planned at either restaurant.
“We want our patrons to know they will continue to experience Galatoire’s as they always have,” Trosclair said. “Our focus on tradition and quality of food and service will remain, preserving the Galatoire’s that has been revered for nearly 105 years.”
Family members in the new company include Leon Galatoire, Michele Galatoire, Duane Galatoire Attaway, Ashley Attaway and Craighten Attaway.
Duane Galatoire Attaway said in a statement: “With this acquisition, we enter a new era that ensures the many Galatoire’s traditions started over 100 years ago by Jean Galatoire will continue through my generation and my children’s, Ashley and Craighten, the fifth generation of Galatoire’s.”
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
