New Orleans has an abundant food scene, there’s no doubt about that. However, when it comes to procuring local, quality meat and produce or international foods, we come up a bit short. To tackle this deficit, Maria Meyer and her family recently opened neighborhood specialty food store, Meyer Provisions. I got to chat with Maria about her petit marché and the ethos behind stocking the shelves.
What prompted you to open Meyer Provisions? We’ve always loved good food, and Meyer Provisions came from our love for high-quality, simple ingredients and wanting to bring that to our neighborhood. We also wanted to create a spot where people can find fresh, local produce and specialty items that aren’t easy to come by. It’s all about connecting with the community through great food.
What are some of the unique items you offer to customers? At Meyer Provisions, we have a mix of local and international items you won’t usually find in other stores. Some of our standout products include imported Italian olive oils and pastas, a great selection of local dairy, and small-batch artisanal goods. We also have specialty items like kosher and gluten-free foods.
Are sustainability and health considered when stocking your shelves? Absolutely! Sustainability and health are at the core of what we do. We prioritize stocking products with clean ingredients, minimal processing, and responsible sourcing practices. Many of our items come from small farms that emphasize sustainable agriculture, and we aim to reduce our environmental impact wherever possible. We offer plenty of wholesome, organic, and gluten-free options so our customers can feel good about what they’re buying and eating.
What should a first-time customer NOT leave the store without? For a first-time customer, it’s definitely hard to choose, but I’d say you shouldn’t leave without grabbing a jar of Coop’s Original hot fudge, a freshly baked Bellegarde baguette, a D’Artagnan filet, or one of the amazing preserves from Confiture Parisienne or Guava Gourmet. And, of course, the most important thing to leave with—a smile!
Anything else we should know? We’ve recently partnered with Tulane University and now accept NOLAbucks, so students can use their Tulane ID to buy food with us. It’s a great way to give them easy access to clean, high-quality food, and we’re excited about that!
Shop with Meyer Provisions at 7913 Maple St. and find them on Instagram @meyerprovisions.
