Patton’s Caterers in Slidell received a Phoenix Award from the Chamber for overcoming challenges through the years and continuing to survive and thrive.
In 1954 a young couple began operating their small family business out of the neighborhood grocery store in New Orleans’s ninth ward. They were joined by their five children as the business grew and enjoyed more than 40 successful years working from their Chalmette location. That is, until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina demolished their building. This family business was not deterred. Fortunately, their base of operations could move to the Historic Salmen-Fritchie House in Olde Towne Slidell that they had purchased a few years earlier. Countless weddings, showers, and other events have been hosted in and from this historic building and not even a pandemic discourages them. Today, that young couple’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue the family legacy.
The award was presented at the Chamber’s annual Business Appreciation Luncheon in November 2020. Accepting the award was Erin Merrick with Patton’s.