NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Pomegranate Hospitality, led by restaurateur Emily Shaya and James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef-Partner Alon Shaya, announced further expansion in New Orleans and Denver, with two new vibrant food and beverage projects, set to debut by the end of 2025. In New Orleans, the group will add Safta’s Table – a neighborhood all-day Mediterranean cafe – to its roster that includes Saba and Saba’s Lounge, as well as Miss River and Chandelier Bar, which are both located within the Four Seasons New Orleans. In Denver, Chef Alon Shaya will showcase Ceci! Italian Lounge, a new bar and lounge at The Source Hotel – along with the launch of Events by Pomegranate Hospitality, presenting on-property catering and event offerings.
This year’s expansion builds upon the group’s 2024 culinary residency, Safta 1964 at Wynn Las Vegas, along with awards and recognition for the accoladed duo. Most recently, Chef Alon and Emily Shaya were honored with the 2025 Tulane Distinguished Entrepreneurs of the Year Award by Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business. The prestigious recognition celebrates entrepreneurs who have demonstrated extraordinary vision and made a lasting impact through their philanthropic efforts.
More on Safta’s Table, Coming to New Orleans in Late 2025
The Pomegranate Hospitality team expands upon its brands Saba and Safta with Safta’s Table, slated to open in New Orleans’ Lakeview neighborhood in late 2025. Located at 129 Allen Touissant Blvd., the Mediterranean cafe will offer welcoming counter service for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner – alongside a beverage program featuring coffee, cocktails and wine. Grab-and-go offerings, meals for the whole family to-go and catering packages will expand upon the ways in which guests can enjoy Safta’s Table. Focused on fresh and sustainable ingredients, Safta’s Table will feature a variety of healthful dining options, made for a quick stop-in or a more leisurely dining experience with family and friends. Safta’s Table will incorporate the familiar flavors and beloved dishes from Saba and Safta while marking Pomegranate Hospitality’s first, but certainly not last, foray into all-day service.
“Safta’s Table is designed to capture the warmth and comfort of dining at your grandmother’s house, a place where comforting, healthful food keeps you coming back for more,” says Alon Shaya in a statement about the openings. “With an emphasis on everyday meals that are both approachable and delicious, it felt only natural to bring this counter-service, all-day cafe to Lakeview, a neighborhood brimming with families of all ages.”
