A staple in Norco for 17 years, Lovecchio’s Deli closed it’s doors in October in order to reopen a new restaurant in St. Rose. Last Wednesday, their first day in business at the new location, they sold out of all daily specials.
They sold out of specials the next two days as well.
“What an amazing grand opening day,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “Thank you to everyone who showed up today!”
Though the move seems to have paid off, owner and chef Jenese Seeber said leaving behind the restaurant’s Norco roots was a difficult decision.
“We love Norco and the community that it is,” Seeber said. “We saw St. Rose as an exciting new prospect for the restaurant and community. We know that we will have to work hard to win over new customers, considering that there are other local eateries, but also knowing that we were rooted in New Orleans and Norco for over 40 combined years.
“Despite hurricanes and heartbreak, we are ready to put in the groundwork for St. Rose.”
Seeber’s grandmother opened Lovecchio’s Deli on Harrison Avenue in New Orleans in 1978. The restaurant was then owned and operated by Seeber’s mother, Sandra Lovecchio, from 1988 until 2023. Lovecchio relocated the deli from New Orleans to Norco after Hurricane Katrina.
Seeber graduated from Deglado with an associate of culinary arts degree and worked at Emeril’s. She also spent time at Restaurant Revolution under Chef John Folse. She said her experience working alongside top chefs has only seasoned her love for New Orleans cuisine and the comfort that food brings people.
Keeping true to their Italian and Cajun roots, Lovecchio’s serves a large selection of specialty po’boys, meatballs and gravy, veal cutlet, fried seafood and muffulettas.
“We have loved serving our favorite New Orleans dishes, and that always means great food using quality ingredients,” Seeber said. “For those looking for a delicious but healthier option, we also prepare fresh made salads and wraps.”
Seeber said there was a very positive response and a lot of support after the restaurant announced they would move from Norco to St Rose.
“We really wanted to assure our customers, old and new, that the Lovecchio’s in St. Rose will still serve their favorites,” she said. “Our daily specials, po’boys and hot lunches will all be kept the same with much, much more to offer. And if someone doesn’t see an item on the menu – ask us. We can more than likely make it”
The new, remodeled space has added bar seating and Lovecchio’s is now able to seat four to six guests at a table, which Seeber says gives their patrons a more comfortable dining experience.
“From our interactions on social media and with the locals, we feel that the community truly cares about us and it completely changes our motivation to serve,” Seeber said. “It makes us feel good about going to work and excited to be part of a team. St. Rose has absolutely given us a sense of community, which has a big impact on our customer service.”
Visit Lovecchio’s Deli’s Facebook page for their menu and daily specials. The restaurant is located at 112 St. Rose Avenue.
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