February 16, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS RECOGNIZES HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES CARING FOR COPS THIS MARDI GRAS
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today recognized the efforts of the local hospitality industry to keep our law enforcement officers fed and comfortable while working throughout the Carnival season.
Working in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the Office of Nighttime Economy, businesses are providing complimentary food and respite to law enforcement personnel working the French Quarter and parade routes, mainly focused in the Sixth and Eighth Police Districts.
“I’m so grateful to our business community for recognizing the need to take care of our law enforcement officers as they work long shifts to ensure we can all safely enjoy Mardi Gras,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “While we are enjoying time with our loved ones out on the parade route, they are sacrificing time with their families to keep us safe. If you see an officer on the route, offer them some water or food – and tell them thank you. One of the great things about New Orleans is we always take care of one another.”
“This is another example of a collaborative effort between my office, the hospitality industry and the New Orleans Police Department,” said Director of Nighttime Economy Howie Kaplan. “It’s one example of the many ways our culture bearers are taking care of those who take care of us. The purple, green and gold can’t happen without the men and women wearing blue.”
This initiative is partially funded by the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) and the rest of the donations are out of the businesses’ generosity. Each shift is feeding over 100 officers from the NOPD, Louisiana State Police (LSP), Orleans Parish Sherriff’s Office (OPSO) and all the agencies from around the state supporting our efforts to keep Mardi Gras safe for everyone.
“The men and women of the Eighth Police District would like to express their sincere gratitude to the hospitality industry and the stakeholders that have very generously donated hot meals, snacks and showed an outpouring of support to law enforcement this Mardi Gras season,” said Captain LeJon Roberts of NOPD’s Eighth District. “The kind deeds have not gone unnoticed and are truly appreciated! Thanks again for all of the love, support and kind gestures as we work tirelessly to make Mardi Gras 2023 safe and successful.”
"One of America’s most celebrated events is Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and the NOPJF knows no one works harder than the officers of the New Orleans Police Department to make it happen,” said Melanie A. Talia, J.D., President & CEO of NOPJF. “From patrolling the streets in cars, on foot and on horseback, to shepherding floats through traffic and obstacles, to parade routes and the nightly French Quarter afterparty, our Krewe in Blue ensures parades roll and everyone enjoys the Mardi Gras revelry. During Carnival season, the NOPJF distributes thousands of meals not only to the NOPD but to all local, state and federal first responders. During prolonged hours of standing on your feet, crowd control, barricade moving, bead retrieving, helping lost children and keeping our neighborhoods safe, a warm meal and a hot coffee can be life changing! There’d be no purple, green and gold without the blue!"
“Luke Restaurant has always supported the police, especially on their long shifts during Mardi Gras with hot meals and a hospitality room,” said Luke Executive Chef Erick Loos IV. “They're an integral part of the city every day. We’re proud to be serving them up some delicious cuisine like blackened red fish, BBQ chicken, rosemary roast beef and gravy and much more.”
Some residents are volunteering their own time to help provide for officers as well. Cops2, a local group of citizens that helps officers in the Second Police District, gives out breakfast and coffee to cops during the weekend day parades. They also provide dinner, sometimes with the help of local restaurants, like Theo’s, too. The work they do is year-round, and they hope to start similar groups in each district. Another local businessman Chris Bardell, owner of a McDonald's franchise, donated a van filled with cases of snacks.
Here are a few of the hospitality businesses stepping up to support law enforcement officers:
- Sheraton New Orleans
- Latrobes
- Hyatt Centric
- Felix’s
- Christopher Hotel
- Ed’s
- Hotel Monteleone
- Oceana
- Astro Crown Plaza
- Cornet
- Hilton Riverside
- Luke
- Midway
- Nirvana
- Fat Boy's Pizza
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