My grandfather worked hard, went through the Depression, and put money into the business.
Were putting it back together.
In August 2021, when Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans, Central Grocerylocated in an over-200-year-old buildingwas devastated.
Credit:Central Grocery
It killed me, because [Central Grocery] was a 118-year-old business that my grandfather started.
The road to recovery hasnt been an easy one, either.
There were many challenges that he had to address with such an old building.
Frank Tusa (left) and Tommy Tusa (right), co-owners of Central Grocery in the store pre-Hurricane Ida.Credit:Central Grocery
Friends encouraged Tusa to take the opportunity to build a fancy New York deli, he recalled.
But the third-generation business owner had only one goal in mind: putting Central Grocery back together.
My grandfather worked hard, went through the Depression, and put money into the business.
New indoor seating in the renovated store.Credit:Central Grocery
Were putting it back together.
Im excited and a little nervous, Tusa said.
I tell people that I’ve been in business for 53 years, but I’ve never reallyopeneda business.
Specialty products lined up and ready to go for the store’s reopening.Credit:Central Grocery
I went into business when it was already going!
Tusas oldest daughter is also starting to work in the businessmarking the fourth generation of Central Grocery.
Its just a little piece of nostalgia.
The store will resume its regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
It’s not just about the money for me, Tusa shared.
It’s about the fact that this business has survived all these years.
We are part of the city of New Orleans.
Even better: Their Olive Salad can be found in many Publix and H.E.B.
Not even a hurricane can dampen the resilient spirit of a family business started over a century ago.
And it certainly wont keep Southerners from the best muffuletta in town.
