A Historic Beacon of Culinary Innovation in New Orleans Since 1875

Welcome to St. Roch Market, a historic public market building and a vibrant community hub located at the intersection of St. Roch and St. Claude Avenues. Since its origins in the 19th century, our market has stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of New Orleans.

Our History

The journey of St. Roch Market began before 1875, initially known as Washington Avenue Market. This open-air produce market was first erected at the corner of what is now known as St. Roch Avenue and St. Claude Avenue. With a legacy possibly starting as early as 1837, the market has undergone several transformations, mirroring the vibrant history of our city itself.

In the late 19th century, the market was central to the St. Roch neighborhood. The area thrived under the influence of Father Thevis, a German Catholic priest who nurtured the community during the Yellow Fever epidemic. In gratitude to St. Roch, the patron saint of plague and disease, Father Thevis named the market and the neighborhood after the saint when the epidemic subsided.

In the 1930s, amidst the economic challenges of the Great Depression, St. Roch Market was earmarked for demolition as part of a city-wide shift in the grocery industry. However, the community's passionate protests led to the preservation and revitalization of the market. With funding from the Works Progress Administration, architect Sam Stone Jr. was enlisted to redesign the market in 1937, breathing new life into this neighborhood landmark.

In the mid-20th century, St. Roch Market saw a colorful period under the operation of the Lama family, who managed it from 1945 until the late 1980s. This era was marked by the market’s transformation into a bustling corner store, serving up plate lunches, and famously, seafood. Following the Lama family, a Chinese immigrant family took over, continuing the tradition of serving plate lunches until Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Surviving plans for demolition again, and outlasting floods, St. Roch Market was revitalized in 2013 with the support of FEMA and state funding. This renovation honored the market's historical roots while paving the way for a modern culinary scene. St. Roch Market was reopened in 2015 in the style of a modern food hall.

Today's St. Roch Market

In October 2023, Kevin Pedeaux, the owner of CR Coffee Shop, a long-time vendor, took over operations of the market. Today, St. Roch Market is not just a place to eat; it's a nurturing ground for budding food entrepreneurs and chefs who shape the New Orleans food scene.

With 13 vendors filling its historic stalls, St. Roch Market offers a diverse taste of local and international cuisines, all under one roof. Each vendor at St. Roch Market is carefully selected for their unique flavors, ensuring that every visit is an opportunity to be a part of today’s New Orleans culinary creativity.

Join Us

Visit St. Roch Market to experience New Orlean’s dynamic present inside a treasured piece of its past. Whether you're looking for a taste of local classics or innovative new dishes, our vendors are here to serve it up. At St. Roch Market, history, community, and cuisine come together to create a truly unique dining experience.