A diverse assembly of New Orleans restaurateurs and food industry professionals convened on October 9, 2023, for the Accelerate event hosted by What Now Media Group at Pizza Bella. This gathering, which took place from 15:00 to 17:00, provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and insightful discussions aimed at fostering growth within the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Pizza Bella, located at 8115 Oak St, is known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and welcoming atmosphere. The event attracted dozens of entrepreneurs featured on What Now New Orleans, alongside industry experts from What Now Media Group’s extensive network of Preferred Partners. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, followed by a presentation focusing on strategies for navigating an increasingly challenging market.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The event was orchestrated by CJ Compton, the new event manager at What Now Media Group. He welcomed a range of notable restaurant owners and operators, including Beaux Church, owner of Frissons, a fast-casual restaurant offering Cajun-inspired dishes. Terrez Collins, who runs Trap Haus, contributed insights on expanding wellness-focused food concepts within Louisiana.
Participants included Anthony Cortello, co-owner of Mid-City Pizza, who discussed the brand’s revival and growth plans. Melissa Araujo, chef and owner of Alma Cafe, emphasized the importance of storytelling and cultural connection in enhancing customer relationships.
The event also featured Camille Whitworth, co-owner of Baroness on Bayou Rd., who is revitalizing the historic Caribbean Club location. Co-owners Kevin Barduca and Melissa McCoy of Bruiser’s, a Chicago-style hot dog venture, were present to share their comeback strategies.
Among the attendees was Avni Ozborcek, the manager of Pizza Bella, who provided insights into their recent launch on Oak Street. The Kajunlicious Food Therapy team, including Ken Mathieu, Kenrenteiel Mathieu, and Teon Gordon, passionately represented their home-style comfort food concept.
Expert Resources for Growth
Media representation was provided by Chelsea Shannon, a food and dining reporter at The Times-Picayune, who offered perspectives on the local culinary landscape. Representatives from What Now Media Group’s Preferred Partners were also present, providing valuable resources to help restaurateurs enhance their operations.
Ed LeBlanc from Global Payments discussed modern point-of-sale (POS) and merchant service solutions tailored for restaurants of various sizes. His hands-on advice aimed to assist attendees in streamlining payment processes and boosting operational efficiency.
Additionally, Antoine Courtney of SpotOn highlighted how the platform’s all-in-one hospitality tools—including POS, payments, and marketing features—can simplify workflows and enhance the guest experience. Despite only two Preferred Partners participating, their involvement sparked valuable discussions on overcoming operational challenges and exploring growth opportunities.
The evening culminated in a deeper conversation led by CJ Compton, addressing essential business considerations such as exit strategies and operational management for multi-location expansions. Guests expressed keen interest in learning more about each other’s businesses and collaborating for mutual benefit.
This event served as a crucial platform for restaurant owners and industry partners to brainstorm and forge new connections. The New Orleans restaurant community is evidently committed to innovation and evolution, and What Now Media Group’s Accelerate events are pivotal in facilitating these discussions.
What Now Media Group reports on restaurant openings in 33 cities across North America, providing timely insights into both new and established businesses. Plans for future Accelerate events are underway, promising continued support for the restaurant industry in 2025. For more details on upcoming events and partnerships, visit the official Accelerate page.
