The Store New Orleans

Go for: BLTA, shrimp & grits, poboys, salads, and specialty sandwiches.

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The Store was one of the inspirations for us when we started Nola Places. It was one of the first places in New Orleans to close doors due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and we didn’t want to see it go.

Good thing for us, The Store didn’t close permanently, and … it didn’t move too far. In fact — in just a few months, they managed to pull off a great feat! The Store is now open for business on Veterans Hwy. – near Dorignac’s in Metairie.

Shuttered from it’s spot on Gravier since mid March, owners made the decision to close, and then decided to move. It’s a great addition to the Metairie dining and service scene — with lunch and early dinner served daily, and family style catering meals available if you call ahead. Note: Closed Sundays.

The Store was founded by brothers Reuben and Garrett Laws. Natives of Franklin, Louisiana, who worked summers and school vacations on their uncle’s sugar cane farm in St. Mary parish. This place brings a bit of south central Louisiana flavor to the traditional New Orleans style poboy shop, then kicks things up with a Bayou Teche twist.

The place was named after a long-time area “everything shop.” Says Garrett, “The Store was a little country grocery we went to every day after work, stop in, grab-and-go, daily specials, and reliable standbys. You could get a lunch or provisions, and it was a trusted, friendly gathering spot.”

That’s exactly what they created when opening in New Orleans in 2007, and that’s exactly what they have brought to Metairie. Their version of The Store is a place for folks to gather, take a break from work, have lunch or an early dinner, and maybe even enjoy some colorful conversation.

It sits in a corner shop on Veterans Blvd. just across the street from the Lamplighter Lounge. Serving a menu of standard po-boys, specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, plate lunches, and a slew of good side dishes — The Store is the type of place you want to be a mainstay.

What’s on the menu?  How bout aged cheddar grits, a shrimp & slaw po-boy, oyster & cured bacon po-boys, and not one, but two different yummy grilled cheese sandwiches! I’m a fan of the BLTA — which is bacon, lettuce, juicy fresh tomatoes, and avocado, but that chicken & gouda sandwich with the Crystal hot sauce mayo is purdy good, too.

Call ahead for catering and family style meals. You can get pork roast with gravy and sides, fried seafood, red beans and rice, chicken baskets, spaghetti and meatballs, and shrimp & grits. Soon, too, you’ll be able to stop in for grab & go: pints and quarts of gumbo, mac & cheese, slaw, cornbread, grits and potato salad — all made from scratch. – Scott McCrossen