Small businesses, advocates fight to change economic landscape of New Orleans East

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Community members in New Orleans East hold up a myriad of small business openings in recent years as an example of the rise of an area that has historically been affected by both public and private disinvestment.

On Bullard Avenue, Thai Nola is one restaurant that opened less than a year ago. Owners said business has been booming.

“It’s a blend of both of our cultures –me being a New Orleans native and my wife being from Thailand,” said Gerald Butler. “Nobody’s in competition around here, because everybody kind of thrives off each other.”

The plaza where Thai Nola is located, off Bullard and Lake Forest, has seen a recent spurt of new business openings.

The tattoo shop next door was opened by Butler two years ago, and nearby Patio 17 was opened by Butler’s cousins.

“It just means, I mean, an enormous amount,” he said. “It gives me great pleasure to see what we’re bringing back to community, as far as us even hiring some of the youths and stuff out here from the community. It’s not just about us making the East great again. It’s about the community outpouring we get to make the East great again.”

His wife, Benjamas Anukomweerakit Butler, said the two were hesitant to open shop in the East at first, but have been overwhelmed by the community support they’ve received.

“Everything I make is from my heart and from love,” Benjamas said. “A lot of people talk about, ‘Oh, why do you want to open a business in the East? Oh, nobody is going to come eat in the East because they’re scared.’

“We want the East to come back. It’s nothing here to be scared (of), it’s really, really good.”

Advocates say they are working to change such perceptions of New Orleans East.

“We feel there’s a lot to offer, but we need positive exposure,” said Tangee Wall, president of the New Orleans East Matters Coalition.

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Wall pointed to positive economic redevelopment news: The old Six Flags site potentially will become Bayou Phoenix — a sports complex, water park, hotel and family entertainment center. And there is the planned reopening of long-shuttered Lincoln Beach.

Still, she acknowledged the closure of Faubourg Brewing Co. in the East has caused concern among some residents and business owners.

“We see this as a golden opportunity for businesses to come, and we’re working on so many aspects of changing the perception,” Wall said.

She noted this September marks the third annual New Orleans East Festival at Joe Brown Park, which has grown each year.

“We’ve got the small businesses buying into it, but we would really love to see the ‘big box’ and other businesses, too, that see an opportunity for them,” Wall said, noting the East only has two major grocery stores, a Winn-Dixie and Walmart.

“We would welcome the Rouses, a Whole Foods, a Fresh Market. Because here, too, we would love to be able to provide the fresh, natural produce.”

New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas co-sponsored a study in February, looking into potential zoning changes to cut down on the proliferation of dollar stores and tire shops across the community. The study is expected to be released this month.

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