This week, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans unveiled its new, yet old, sign at its current address of 429 Decature St. Tujague’s Restaurant was established in New Orleans in 1856 by Guillaume and Marie Tujague at 811 Decatur St., where it stayed for most of its existence.
When the restaurant sadly moved locations in the past few years, the original and iconic Tujague’s sign did not make the trip. After working for that entire time to recreate the sign and bring it home to its new location, owner Mark Latter finally got his wish on Monday, Nov. 21, in time for the holiday season.
What does it mean to bring the iconic look back to Tujague’s in its new location? And why was it important to replicate the original sign?
It’s been almost two years in the new location. Having the new sign hung up finally makes it feel like home again. It was a two-year process working with the city and its historic departments and then actually creating the sign. We, along with the city, felt it was important to replicate the historical sign. It’s such a big piece of New Orleans culinary history and we felt it was important to have it be a part of the new location.
Was there a reason for the installation today, or was it important to get it installed before the holiday season?
The holidays are such an important time of the year for Tujague’s with our locals (being open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day), we wanted locals to feel like they were back home with us. Especially with so many locals and families who visit us every year during the holidays, we wanted them to get to enjoy this part of our history again.
What’s being done with the original sign?
The original sign stayed at the old location per our old lease. It belongs to the owner of the old building, so we do not know what his future plans are for that sign.
Visit Tujague’s for the holiday season at its updated Decatur Street address by making reservations here.
Learn more about the history of this iconic New Orleans institution here.
