Casamento's Restaurant Has Reopened for Season

The historic New Orleans eatery reopened its doors on October 1, 2026, amid concerns about a possible final closure.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Dining Out

Casamento's Restaurant Has Reopened for Season

Live Poll

Should iconic local restaurants be preserved if the original family owners decide to retire?

Casamento's Restaurant at 4330 Magazine St has reopened for its seasonal operating period. Owners C.J. and Linda Gerdes are considering permanent closure of the business after this season due to family tragedies and an aging staff.

Why it matters

The potential closure marks the end of a culinary era for a restaurant that has operated for over a century. The owners are weighing the future of the iconic venue following significant personal hardships and the long-term tenure of key employees.

Operating since 1919 at 4330 Magazine St, the restaurant remains famous for its tilework installed in 1949 and its tradition of frying seafood in lard using iron skillets. The establishment continues to operate on a cash-only basis.

The players

C.J. and Linda Gerdes

They are the current owners of Casamento's Restaurant who are currently weighing whether to permanently close the business.

Joe Casamento

He was the founder of the New Orleans restaurant who came from the Italian island of Ustica.

Dolly Skinner

She is a longtime employee who has worked at the restaurant for 42 years.

Robert Washington

He is a dedicated staff member who has contributed 48 years of service to the restaurant.

The details

The restaurant is known for its traditional cooking methods and historic atmosphere, which has persisted since its founding by Joe Casamento. Current owners C.J. and Linda Gerdes must navigate the aging of their dedicated workforce, including Dolly Skinner and Robert Washington, as they evaluate the future of the family business.

Casamento's Restaurant first opened in 1919.
Linda Gerdes started working at the business in 1978.
Founder Joe Casamento died in 1979 at age 90.
Owners announced in May 2026 that this could be the final season.
The restaurant reopened for its current season on October 1, 2026.

Culture Shift

The potential end of Casamento's reflects the broader struggle of multi-generational family-run restaurants to survive in an evolving hospitality landscape. These establishments often face unique challenges regarding labor, succession planning, and the preservation of long-standing culinary traditions.

Patrons planning to visit should note that the restaurant continues to accept cash payments only. Diners looking to experience the historic venue should be aware that this season may be the final opportunity to eat at the 4330 Magazine St location.

The takeaway

Preserving historic dining institutions requires navigating complex family dynamics and the physical toll of traditional labor. Supporting these local landmarks helps maintain the culinary heritage that defines a city's unique cultural identity.