In many ways, Old Metairie is its own world – with so many small businesses and tucked-away residences, many of its community members don’t have any reason to leave. Convenient to both New Orleans and other areas of Jefferson Parish, the neighborhood is a charming microcosm of the surrounding city with its own arts, culture, food, fashion and helpful providers of healthcare, financial advising, education and more. This month, we’ve gathered a small sampling of businesses and organizations – both old and new – that keep the community thriving.
Services & Resources
Useful for Old Metairie families and businesses alike, Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Agency works to protect people from the things that could jeopardize their assets and to protect their loved ones from the unexpected. Additionally, the company now offers mortgages through an alliance with Rocket Mortgage with discounted rates.
“We also specialize in providing solutions for business owners’ needs, from commercial auto and liability insurance to 401K plans and Key Man life insurance plans,” says Holmes. “We love being part of this community and doing our part to make a positive impact.”
Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Agency | State Farm
117 Metairie Lawn Drive, (504) 831-0002
Another time-tested Old Metairie institution is Metairie Park Country Day, which approaches its 100th anniversary this decade. This coed private school serves New Orleans area students in early childhood through Grade 12, and boasts advanced technology and an expansive, rigorous curriculum that encourages depth of inquiry rather than recitation of facts.
Country Day is also popular for its summer opportunities, including Gumbo Camp for young children and the Country Day Creative Arts Program for boys and girls 7-14, who select five classes from over 30 choices in the visual arts, performing arts and sports.
Metairie Park Country Day, 300 Park Road
(504) 837-5204, MPCDS.com
In practice in Old Metairie for over 40 years, Associated Hearing is an audiology practice that works to provide solutions for hearing loss. Audiologist & Owner Dr. Daniel Bode understands that hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all answer, and that it takes knowledge, patience and a dedicated team for complete success.
A local, independent and patient-oriented practice, Associated Hearing credits its long success on quality, individualized patient care. Free consultations and hearing aid trials from top manufacturers such as Phonak, Oticon, and Starkey are available.
Associated Hearing, 433 Metairie Road, Suite 101
(504) 833-4327, AssociatedHearingINC.net
Susan Zackin, Owner & Lead Planner/Designer of Z Event Company, brings a trifecta of services to Old Metairie road with both in-person and online event planning as well as her newest offering, Sparkle & Swag, a retail party store. According to Zackin, her specially curated store and balloon bar brings previously hard-to-find items to the local neighborhood, providing the perfect touches to all types of celebrations.
Meanwhile, Z Event Company is known for bringing to life the visions of local event hosts. The Event Glossary is the company’s web-based planning company that offers a concierge-type useful tool for planning.
Z Event Company / Sparkle & Swag, 508 Metairie Road
(504) 510-5838, ZEventCo.com; SparkleAndSwag.com
Fashion
Owned by Marcella Willis, Cella’s is a lifestyle boutique stocked full of apparel, home items, gifts and art. According to Marcella, the goal is to create a life of style for customers by curating unique items for their wardrobes, for gifting to loved ones, and for decorating the home.
“We also partner with artists to create exclusive home goods, including acrylic trays, coasters, cutting boards and more,” she says. Whether you prefer window shopping in person or online, you’ll find a variety of colorful items to lure you into the brick-and-mortar Metairie Road store or its online counterpart, ShopCellas.com.
Cella’s, 512 Metairie Road, (504) 407-3828, ShopCellas.com
Em’s Boutique specializes in contemporary women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, from colorful summer wear to shades, sandals and more.
“We continue to stay on trend while providing a variety of different price points for everyone,” says Owner & Buyer Emily Puckett.
Since Em’s opened 15 years ago, the Old Metairie business community has grown exponentially. Em’s often hosts pop-ups in conjunction with other local small businesses, which enriches that sense of community and provides a win-win for both the businesses and customers. For upcoming event dates, keep an eye on Em’s Instagram (@shopems).
Em’s Boutique, 246 Metairie Road, (504) 834-2795, Instagram: @shopems
For 25 years, Banbury Cross has been a known go-to for classic children’s clothing. The shop’s vast selection of merchandise enables customers to find what they need for a variety of occasions, whether for a new baby, new outfit or formal wedding.
“Once they shop with us, they become lifelong customers,” says Co-Owner Peggy Roth. Customers especially look forward to Banbury Cross’s Annual Tent Sale, which takes place every year in mid-July. Banbury Cross enjoys the benefit of being situated right in the middle of Old Metairie.
“We are a family-run business, so being in a close-knit community adds to the small family business feel,” says Co-Owner Monica Forester.
Banbury Cross, 100 Atherton Drive, (504) 837-0447, BanburyCrossKids.com
Old Metairie is rich with culture and creativity, which is one of the reasons Eye Wares decided to bring global designer and independent eyewear brands to the neighborhood.
According to Optometrist & Owner Lauren Agnew, Eye Wares offers sophisticated technology and an extensive selection of designer and independent frames.
“You’ll leave your next eye appointment with confidence knowing that you have clear, healthy vision and incredibly stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses,” she says. Eye Wares is offering a Mother’s Day Sale May 1-14 with up to 50 percent off select designer frames. For appointments, schedule online or call the store.
Eye Wares, 800 Metairie Road, Suite Q (504) 301-1726, EyeWaresNola.com
Food & Beverage
Located in the former Metairie Road home of Vega Tapas, Zócalo brings authentic Mexican cuisine to Old Metairie. A collaboration from Antonio Mata and Chef Edgar Caro, the menu is inspired by the two’s ongoing travel adventures south of the border and features innovative renditions of Mexican favorites like enchiladas and fajitas, tacos and quesadillas.
To complement the food, the bar menu includes unique versions of margaritas and mixed drinks. Zócalo hosts Happy Hour each Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m., and bottomless margaritas on Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. On May 5, celebrate Cinco de Mayo Ole Metry Fest with margarita specials and tequila tastings, food and live music.
Zócalo, 2051 Metairie Road
(504) 252-9327, Zocalo-nola.com
Formerly known as Martin Wine Cellar, this recently renamed wine and spirits shop was founded in New Orleans in 1946, and has since expanded to four stores, including its bustling Metairie location – a popular lunch spot. Martin offers a vast selection of national and international wines, beer, spirits, party necessities and gifts.
Additionally, Martin hosts a number of dinners, tastings and other events throughout the year. They offer online ordering with pickup or local delivery available as well as online ordering for food from the deli.
Martin Wine & Spirits, 714 Elmeer Ave.
(504) 896-7300, MartinWine.com
With a quickly growing number of restaurants, Ruby Slipper remains locally owned and operated and brings the unique flavors and hospitality of New Orleans to its all-day brunch and eye-opening cocktails on Metairie Road.
“Out of our seven Greater New Orleans locations, Metairie Road was the first restaurant permitted to seat guests outside after the COVID lockdown,” says Marketing Manager Veronica Ridgley. “We couldn’t have gotten our ‘Krewe’ back to work if not for the Old Metairie community showing up for us.”
This summer, look forward to new – currently secret – specials, some of which allegedly contain Pontchartrain Blue Lump Crab. Follow the website and social media (links available on website) for updates.
Ruby Slipper Café, 2700 Metairie Road
(504) 638-9574, TheRubySlipperCafe.net
Next year, Langenstein’s will turn 100 years old, making it one of the oldest independently owned grocery stores in Greater New Orleans. Metairie Road is of course home to this longstanding institution and is a go-to for locals looking for catering and prepared foods on top of their usual day-to-day needs.
Convenient online catering ordering makes it easy to play host. Owner & Operator Trey Lanaux recommends favorite specialties like Better Cheddar Dip
or Le Popeye Dip as instant hits for gatherings, large or small.
Langenstein’s, 800 Metairie Road, (504) 831-6682, Langensteins.com
Health & Beauty
BLEU is a blowout-focused hair salon offering a luxury styling experience without the price, fuss and long lead times found at traditional hair salons. Since opening in Old Metairie in 2013, BLEU has expanded its menu to include hair extensions, keratin express treatments, Olaplex blowouts, makeup applications and on-location services for corporate events and wedding parties.
BLEU offers Happy Hour Monday through Wednesday 12-4 p.m., with $10 off of blowouts and 20 percent off all other services.
BLEU, a Blowdry Bar, 701 Metairie Road, Suite 112-2A
(504) 309-599, BleuABlowDryBar.com
With three locations across Greater New Orleans, Sanova Dermatology offers a full spectrum of dermatology services, including cutting-edge cosmetic treatments such as QWO, Custom DOSE, CoolSculpting, laser treatments, injectables and fillers. Its Old Metairie location is home to Drs. Kristy Charles, Patricia Farris and Mamina Turegano.
“It’s so great to be a part of a historic community that is so close-knit and vibrant,” says Dr. Kristy Charles.
This month, the practice is holding Bloom into Beauty, a Spring Cosmetic Event. Readers of St. Charles Avenue are invited to call the practice and receive exclusive pricing on certain treatments (including Botox, fillers and non-laser aesthetic services) to be used by the end of May.
Sanova Dermatology, 701 Metairie Road, Suite 2A205
(504) 836-2050, SanovaDerm.com
Licensed Massage Therapist Stefanie Kemp is new to Old Metairie but hardly new to the world of bodywork. Her studio can be found nestled above the offices at the corner of Focis Street and Metairie Road.
With over 17 years of professional experience, Stefanie has studied with and worked beside therapists from all over the world and has trained in numerous styles of massage and bodywork. Every session is tailored for each client and can include a variety of healing methods, from cupping to heat use and high-grade essential oils. Stefanie’s studio is available by appointment only – call or email for scheduling.
Stefanie Kemp, (218) 310-7225, stefaniekemplmt@gmail.com
