New Orleans' Red Fish Grill issued first health permit after Katrina

New Orleans CityBusiness, Sep 30, 2005 by CityBusiness Staff Report

The first state-approved, post-Katrina health permit issued to a food and beverage establishment was given Thursday night to Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon Street, restaurant spokeswoman Charlee Williamson said today.

It literally has the No. 1 on it, so it was the first one, Williamson said.

Three Atlanta-based members of the Food and Drug Administration conducted the 45-minute inspection of the restaurant, Williamson said. The FDA is conducting the inspections on behalf of the state.

The Red Fish Grill opened for business today at noon, serving gumbo ya-ya, hickory-grilled redfish and praline bread pudding and cocktails including Katrina-Ritas and Category 5 Hurricanes. Until the city's water supply is deemed potable, the restaurant will serve all food on plastic plates with plastic utensils, Williamson said.

The restaurant has not heavily publicized its opening due to its limited staff, Williamson said. We want to handle well the business that does come through the door, she said.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the Red Fish Grill employed 170 staff members. The restaurant opened Friday with about 15 to 20 employees, mostly managers. It is estimated that more than half of employees' homes were totally or severely damaged by Katrina.

Restaurant officials anticipate more hourly workers will return to their jobs as the city repopulates. The restaurant has a grassroots marketing plan it will enact next week to publicize its reopening, Williamson said.