And when folks take a sample, Vaucresson knows the product seals the deal just about every time. “For that little piece of sausage that might cost me ten cents, I’m making an $8 sale,” he says.
The founders of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival knew from the very beginning that food vendors had to be a part of the experience. The first vendor they invited was Vance’s father, Robert “Sonny” Vaucresson, the co-owner of Vaucresson’s Creole Cafe, the first Black-owned business on the city’s famous Bourbon Street. They were meeting at Vaucresson’s to brainstorm about the first festival, which took place in 1970.
Finally, Vaucresson Sausage Co. has come back to the 7th Ward.
The Vaucresson family will be returning to its roots at 1800 St. Bernard Ave. more than 15 years after Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters swamped the area and displaced the business.
Local business leaders and City of New Orleans officials gathered Friday at the corner of St. Bernard Avenue and North Roman Street to celebrate the announcement.
The 3,000 square-foot property, blighted and laden with graffiti, will be the future home of Vaucresson Creole Café and harken back to the old-style New Orleans diners, with counter service and a menu of po-boys and traditional Creole dishes. There will also be a market deli where the family’s trademark sausage will be made and sold on site.