Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris
Originally published March 19, 2007
Horst Pfeifer Buys (Of All Places) Middendorf's
Now this is a story I never would have guessed.
Horst and Karen Pfeifer, who owned the stunning Bella Luna before the storm (and decided not to reopen it after), are buying a restaurant.
Middendorf's?
Yes, the catfish place in Manchac. Here's a slightly-shortened version of the letter I received from Karen Pfeifers:
The
Cat’s Out Of The Bag (Or Should We Say The Catfish?)
Horst and I are thrilled to announce that we are purchasing Middendorf’s. It's located in Manchac, Louisiana on I-55 between I-10 and I-12, about 45 minutes outside New Orleans. Manchac is an old fishing village and Middendorf’s is a seafood restaurant.
It opened in 1934. Mama Josie, as they call her, was the creator of the restaurant and the famous fried catfish. Suzy Lamonte, the third generation, has been working there since she was thirteen years old. For Suzy and her husband Joey Lamonte it was a very big decision to sell the restaurant. They're thrilled to have found a husband-wife team that know and understand the restaurant business.
“I am so honored that Horst and Karen will be continuing our family’s legacy," says Suzy. "We are sticking around until they both feel comfortable with our recipes and how we have run things for the last seventy-three years. They promised not to change the catfish recipe and all the employees are staying with them.,
Gerald Doucet, our general manager from Bella Luna and The Foundry, will join us in running the business. Gerald, Horst and I are excited and ready to continue the traditions of Middendorf’s. We will sign the paperwork and take over ownership on April 2. Luckily, with Good Friday and the Strawberry Festival right around the corner, Joey and Suzy will be there to help keep things normal.
The Foundry, our special event venue in the warehouse district will continue. It is doing well and we appreciate all the local business.
Horst and I are thrilled to announce that we are purchasing Middendorf’s. It's located in Manchac, Louisiana on I-55 between I-10 and I-12, about 45 minutes outside New Orleans. Manchac is an old fishing village and Middendorf’s is a seafood restaurant.
It opened in 1934. Mama Josie, as they call her, was the creator of the restaurant and the famous fried catfish. Suzy Lamonte, the third generation, has been working there since she was thirteen years old. For Suzy and her husband Joey Lamonte it was a very big decision to sell the restaurant. They're thrilled to have found a husband-wife team that know and understand the restaurant business.
“I am so honored that Horst and Karen will be continuing our family’s legacy," says Suzy. "We are sticking around until they both feel comfortable with our recipes and how we have run things for the last seventy-three years. They promised not to change the catfish recipe and all the employees are staying with them.,
Gerald Doucet, our general manager from Bella Luna and The Foundry, will join us in running the business. Gerald, Horst and I are excited and ready to continue the traditions of Middendorf’s. We will sign the paperwork and take over ownership on April 2. Luckily, with Good Friday and the Strawberry Festival right around the corner, Joey and Suzy will be there to help keep things normal.
The Foundry, our special event venue in the warehouse district will continue. It is doing well and we appreciate all the local business.
Middendorf's, Manchac Exit of I-55, 985-386-6666.
© 2007 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com