The café was created in 2008 by an engineer couple looking to nourish the rebuilding process in Mid-City New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Co-owners Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt just wanted to break even with the first 52-seat location, but lines quickly grew. Now there are seven locations around New Orleans, and in Pensacola, Fla., and Orange Beach, Ala., with another slated for Baton Rouge this year.

When items like BBQ shrimp and grits, eggs cochon, red-eye Benedict with smoked hollandaise, fried oyster biscuits, stuffed French toast and bacon-infused Bloody Marys mean “home,” there’s definitely no place like it.

The Gulf Fish "St. Peter" includes pan-seared Gulf fish of the day over a cheesy grit cake, topped with sautéed spinach and tomatoes, a skewer of grilled shrimp, and finished with creole mustard hollandaise.

The menu blends traditional Southern classics with innovative culinary creations.

The real differentiator is the way the café transforms the idea of a comfortable, homey brunch spot into a whimsical land of King Cake pancakes and “Who-Dat-Licious” cocktails.

“The Ruby Slipper was inspired by a powerful sense of homecoming when we returned after Katrina,” co-owner Jennifer Weishaupt said.

The menu taps into the boozy brunch trend with mimosas.