The Roosevelt Hotel Hosted Stormin’ of the Sazerac
The annual event celebrated a historical protest where women demanded service at the iconic New Orleans bar.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans recently held the annual Stormin’ of the Sazerac event. The gathering commemorated the 1949 protest where women defied gender norms to demand service at the Sazerac Bar.
Why it matters
This celebration honors a pivotal moment in 1949 when local women challenged the status quo in the city's nightlife. It recognizes figures who continue to break barriers and advocate for progress today.
The event honors the legacy of 1949, when women first successfully demanded access to the previously male-only Sazerac Bar. It maintains this historical milestone through an annual luncheon and fashion show.
The players
Kheri Billy
She is the CEO of Café Reconcile and served as the Spirit of the Sazerac honoree.
Randi Rousseau
She served as the emcee for the commemorative event at the hotel.
The Roosevelt Hotel
This historic New Orleans venue serves as the traditional site for the Stormin' of the Sazerac.
The details
The event featured a luncheon and fashion show at the hotel to mark the historical resistance against exclusionary policies. Kheri Billy, CEO of Café Reconcile, was formally recognized as the Spirit of the Sazerac honoree during the festivities.
Timeline
1849: Only men were allowed to order drinks.
1949: Women stormed the Sazerac Bar.
September 25, 2026: The Roosevelt Hotel hosted the event.
Industry Dynamics
The event serves as a cultural anchor that connects New Orleans history with modern social advocacy. It mirrors broader trends in the hospitality sector, where iconic venues leverage historical narratives to build brand identity and community engagement.
The annual celebration allows the public to engage with New Orleans history through a ticketed luncheon and fashion show. Attendees gain insights into the city's evolving social culture while supporting community leaders like the honoree.
The takeaway
Honoring historical acts of defiance helps ensure that past progress remains part of the cultural conversation. Local residents can look to such events to see how private venues can preserve and highlight important social history.
Further reading
Discover more about local culinary traditions and history in our Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDSU News.
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