Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell to issue official Proclamation at Aunt Sally’s Grand Opening

NEW ORLEANS - July 31, 2013 - PRLog -- (New Orleans- July 31, 2013)— Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops, Inc (http://www.auntsallys.com/) announces the restoration of their new building, an abandoned car dealership and auto parts store at 750 Saint Charles Avenue, to serve as their corporate headquarters, commercial candy kitchen, and second retail store.  Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (http://www.nolacitycouncil.com/meet/meet_morrell.asp) will issue an official city proclamation in honor of the opening of the facility.

From 1938-1969, Aunt Sally’s most famous employee,  Iola Hedge Thomas, also known as “DollBaby”, was a praline candy maker at the French Market location at 810 Decatur Street. “DollBaby” worked under the founder of Aunt Sally’s- Pierre Bagur, otherwise known as “Peter”. After she passed away, her daughter Edna Mae Francis joined the Aunt Sally’s team. Francis passed away in 2002. This duo has become the face, heart, and soul of Aunt Sally’s. Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell has a unique relationship with Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops dating back to her childhood. Her aunt was Iola “Dollbaby” Hedge Thomas and Edna Mae Francis was her cousin. She will issue an official proclamation in honor of their memory.

In September 2012, Aunt Sally’s shareholders elected to purchase the 10,000 square foot property and have since performed a multi-million dollar renovation. “When we first saw the building, it was a hollow shell that needed a full-scale renovation. We had our fair share of challenges in the design and building process, but now we are ready to celebrate its grand opening and are extremely optimistic about the future” says Larry Statton, CEO.

With direct access to the streetcar line and close proximity to Uptown, Metairie, and the surrounding neighborhoods, Aunt Sally’s will be more accessible to serve the needs of the local community.  The new store location will feature one-of-a-kind crafts from local artists and a variety of regionally produced foods, gifts, and books. “We are proud to join the revitalized Downtown Development District and look forward to settling into the neighborhood” says Statton.

Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops have been a historic staple to the culture of New Orleans for nearly 80 years, from the original log cabin store on the corner of Royal and St. Louis, to the current store in the Historic French Market. Aunt Sally’s, founded by Pierre and Diane Bagur in 1935, is one of the original and oldest praline candy makers in New Orleans. It was the Bagur’s dream to bring the praline candy to the residents and visitors of New Orleans. That dream continues through the varying roles and leadership of the Bagur’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, many of whom have been instrumental in the acquisition, planning and designing of the new building.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, a formal ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 1^st at 5 o’clock in the evening; reception to follow with entertainment provided by the Treme Brass Band. Tom Fitzmorris will be broadcasting his show “ The Food Show” live from 3-6pm. The new store will open its doors to showcase hand poured pralines, Southern delicacies, and other uniquely New Orleans offerings.

For more information, follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aunt-Sallys-Praline-Shop-Inc/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AuntSallys), and Instagram (http://instagram.com/auntsallyspralines).

About Aunt Sally’s Pralines, Inc.: Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops, Inc. is one of the original praline candy makers in New Orleans, LA. Founded in 1935, Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops, Inc. uses the original recipe for Original Creole pralines and has introduced several unique flavors: Original Creamy, Bananas Foster, Café au lait, Triple Chocolate, Chewy, and Sugar and Spice made with Tabasco® brand pepper sauce. Aunt Sally’s manufactures pralines for retail customers and wholesale distribution nationwide. Visit our two retail locations at 810 Decatur Street in the historic French Market or on the streetcar line at 750 Saint Charles Avenue.  http://www.auntsallys.com


All video or photo requests will be obliged, please contact Forrest Richards at 504-944-6090 or frichards@auntsallys.com to schedule.