HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
RESTAURANTS
GORDON STEVENS
ROBERT THOMPSON
MARV AMMARI
Partner and Co-Founder Cafe Beignet Restaurants
Founder Angevin & Co.
CEO Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts
A veteran of the tourism industry for more than 45 years, Stevens is the co-founder of Cafe Beignet — which has several locations in or near the French Quarter — and CEO of the New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line New Orleans. He’s been active in many civic and professional organizations, including the New Orleans Chamber and the Catholic Foundation.
As a bartender and waiter in the early 1990s, Thompson bounced from the U.S. to the UK, gaining experience and sowing the seeds for his career in restaurants and hotels. “There’s not a single area of what I do for a living where creativity and innovation don’t rule the day,” he said. “I get to create products that people love and circumvent problems all day long.”
In 1989, Ammari began his hospitality career by taking over a small daiquiri shop in St. Bernard Parish. With help from his brothers, Zeid and Richy, he’s since grown the business into Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, a company that now owns more than 20 restaurants, including Broussard’s, Tommy’s, Cafe Maspero and the Bombay Club.
Education: Loyola University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s, Desi Vega Metairie Nonprofit Cause: Catholic Community Foundation Hidden Gem: Ralph’s on the Park bar happy hour Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Hobby/Passion: “Reading, travel and being with my 15 grandchildren” Heroes: “My mom. My grandfathers.”
Education: Regis University (BA) Hidden Gem: “It was the Dungeon in the French Quarter when I was younger, and now it’s Pizza Domenica on Magazine.” Advice: “Don’t try to be the smartest person in the room. Being smarter than half is enough as long as you outwork the other half.” Nonprofit Cause: Liberty’s Kitchen
Hidden Gem: “Napoleon House. It’s a step back in time, and a great place to enjoy a classic cocktail.” Nonprofit Cause: “Personally and professionally I support the important work of the New Orleans Mission.” Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Advice: “Try to learn one thing and teach one thing every day.”
RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANTS
SCOTT BALLARD
DICKIE BRENNAN
RALPH BRENNAN
Owner Ballard Brands
Owner and Managing Partner Dickie Brennan & Co.
President and CEO Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group
Starting their careers as Smoothie King and PJ’s Coffee franchisees, the Ballard brothers (Scott, Paul and Steven) formed a restaurant and hospitality group whose brands include PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, WOW American Eats and New Orleans Roast Coffee & Tea. In 2018, the company partnered with investors to buy Ideation Hospitality group, led by celebrity chef Jose Garces.
This third-generation restaurateur has left his own mark on Louisiana’s culinary history. His restaurants include Palace Cafe, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Bourbon House, Tableau and Acorn Cafe. He is a founding member of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute and, in 2021, was appointed chairman of the board of the Louisiana Tourism Association.
A third-generation scion of the family whose name is synonymous with New Orleans restaurants, Brennan got his start at the iconic French Quarter establishment that bears his name. His portfolio now includes Brennan’s, Napoleon House, Red Fish Grill, Ralph’s on the Park and cafe NOMA in the New Orleans Museum of Art. He’s a former CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Education: Tulane University Hidden Gem: Le Bon Temps Roule on Thursday night! Advice: “Be passionate and honest about what you want to do and you will always have a good day.” Nonprofit Cause: Fore!Kids Foundation Hobby/Passion “Golf, hiking, travel and the outdoors!”
Education: Loyola University New Orleans (BS), Louisiana State University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: “That would be like picking your favorite child!” Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Advice: “Leave it better then you found it!” Nonprofit Cause: NOCHI Hero: “My dad”
Education: Tulane University (BS) First Job: Prep cook at Brennan’s Dream Career: “I’d definitely be a professional golfer!” Advice: “My aunt, Ella Brennan, told me, ‘Opportunity walks in your door every day.’” Poboy Pick: Fried shrimp Snoball Style: Nectar cream
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