coronavirus

NOLA.com: Neighbors bang out a nightly thank-you note

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At 7 p.m. every night, a racket breaks out on quiet stretch of Laurel Street in the West Riverside area. It’s neighbors sending a thank-you note to the doctors and nurses, RTA workers, ambulance drivers, firefighters and everyone else who is working to help New Orleanians through the coronavirus pandemic, reports Doug MacCash on NOLA.com. The ritual, modeled on similar demonstrations of unity in New York and around the globe, was initiated by 72-year-old Uptown resident Natesh “Mo” Mohan to show respect and gratitude for everyone on the front-lines.  

 

business

The Columns sold to owner of The Drifter

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The stately Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue has been sold to the owner of the eclectic Drifter Hotel on Tulane Avenue, NOLA.com reports. Jacques and Claire Creppel, who revived 135-year-old Uptown institution after buying it 40 years ago, are now in their 80s, and their children are not interested in taking it over, according to reporter Anthony McAuley. The new owner is Jayson Seidman, a former Wall Street banker who has developed seven boutique hotels, including two in New Orleans. The Columns is on the National Register of Historic Places, which restricts changes to the exterior.

business

NOLA.com: Pascal’s Manale sold to Ray Brandt

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The century-old Pascal’s Manale Restaurant is ending four generations of family ownership with a sale Tuesday to car dealer Ray Brandt and his wife Jessica Brandt, Ian McNulty reported on NOLA.com. The restaurant where barbecue shrimp was created will be managed by the Brandts’ nephew Carmen Provenzano, who spent 12 years working at Pascal’s Manale. “They assured us they want to continue the restaurant in the same family tradition as we’ve maintained it,” longtime proprietor Sandy DeFelice told McNulty.