For those seeking an authentic taste of New Orleans, Mandina’s Restaurant on Canal Street stands out as a culinary landmark. Many visitors admire its distinctive pink building and often wonder about its origins. Was it always a restaurant? Let’s delve into the captivating history of this iconic establishment.
The story of Mandina’s begins in 1898 when Sebastian Mandina, an immigrant from Sicily, arrived in New Orleans. He purchased a property at the corner of Canal and Cortez Streets, transforming the ground floor of his new house into a bar and grocery store. Like many entrepreneurs of the time, Sebastian and his family, including his wife Frances and sons Anthony and Frank, lived upstairs, directly above their bustling business. This corner store quickly became a neighborhood hub, reflecting the close-knit community spirit of early 20th-century New Orleans.
In the 1930s, Mandina’s underwent a transformation, evolving to meet the changing tastes of the city. The grocery store expanded its offerings to include a sandwich shop, a fresh oyster bar, and even a pool hall, becoming a popular spot for locals seeking both refreshment and recreation. After Sebastian Mandina’s passing in 1933, his sons, Anthony and Frank, took the reins of the family business. Their commitment to the restaurant was temporarily paused when they served overseas during World War II. During their absence, Anthony’s wife, Hilda, stepped up to manage the establishment, ensuring its continuity through challenging times. Her contribution is still honored on the menu today with the popular “Miss Hilda Salad,” a testament to her dedication and influence.
The post-war era marked another significant phase for Mandina’s. Upon Anthony and Frank’s return, the business broadened its scope, becoming a full-service restaurant and bar. Frank Mandina, in a 1979 interview with The Times-Picayune, described their complementary roles: “Anthony ran the kitchen, I ran the bar and gradually the place and the menu both began to grow.” This period saw Mandina’s solidify its reputation for delicious fried seafood and its unique blend of Creole and Italian culinary traditions, attracting a loyal clientele and becoming a staple in the New Orleans dining scene.
Tommy Mandina, Anthony’s son, represents the third generation of family ownership. Having grown up in the family residence above the restaurant and worked there since childhood, Tommy assumed ownership in 1975. His deep-rooted connection to Mandina’s and years of experience ensured the restaurant remained true to its heritage while adapting to modern times.
The 1990s brought further expansion as Mandina’s incorporated a neighboring former barbershop to accommodate its growing popularity. The family also briefly extended their reach by opening a location on Conti Street in the French Quarter, though this venture was short-lived.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 presented a major challenge to Mandina’s. The storm and subsequent levee failures severely damaged the Mid-City building. Cindy Mandina, Tommy’s daughter and the fourth generation to take the helm, had recently taken over day-to-day operations just before the hurricane. She spearheaded the extensive renovations, ensuring Mandina’s was rebuilt and modernized while preserving its beloved character. The restaurant triumphantly reopened in February 2007, a symbol of resilience and family legacy. Cindy also oversaw expansions to Baton Rouge and Mandeville, although the Baton Rouge location has since closed. It’s important to note that Mandina’s on Canal Street is distinct from Tony Mandina’s Restaurant in Gretna, which opened in 1982 and is not related to the Canal Street establishment.
Today, Mandina’s on Canal Street continues to be a cherished New Orleans institution, offering a taste of history alongside its renowned menu. From its humble beginnings as a corner store to its current status as a celebrated restaurant, Mandina’s embodies the spirit of New Orleans, family tradition, and culinary excellence.
