How did you start the The Cannery and Toulouse Gourmet Catering? They are part of the family-owned Pel Hughes Companies.
The Cannery is a 63,000-square-foot warehouse in Mid-City, and our printing company occupies approximately one-third of it.
Three years ago, our niece Kellie Levy and Russ Spezial came to us about starting a catering company. They had years of experience, so we built a 2,000-square-foot kitchen for Toulouse Gourmet Catering, and business took off.
When did The Cannery become an event space? Our client base demanded it, so we built a 12,000-square-foot space, the largest event venue in Mid-City with secure complimentary parking.
What kinds of events do you hold? All kinds, from weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, fundraisers, fashion shows, bar/bat mitzvahs and so on, for 25 people to over 700.
We have invested in the latest IT equipment with customized LED lighting for the walls, a 16-foot retractable screen and five flat screen TVs.
Toulouse Gourmet is the official on-site caterer, but we also offer full service off-site catering for groups as small as 10 and as large as 2,500.
Are catering styles changing? Yes; we stay up to date with trends and education.
Do you offer gluten-free menus? Yes, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menus are available.
Which events have been your favorites? The Clinton Global Initiative, hosted at Tulane for 2,500 people, was definitely a highlight.
The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., 486-8351;
Toulouse Gourmet Catering, 3811 Toulouse St., 488-4466, ToulouseGourmet.com
