Iconic New Orleans beignet restaurant among businesses closed after partial roof collapse

Much of the historic French Market building, which houses Cafe Du Monde, was evacuated and closed Friday due to a “partial roof collapse” and damage to the structure, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the incident.

New Orleans police were helping to clear the building Friday afternoon and restricting access in the area, which is along Decatur Street adjacent to Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

There is damage to a roof joist on Building A of the French Market, according to Cafe Du Monde owner and general manager Burt Benrud, who was at the coffee stand. The damage is not directly above Cafe Du Monde, he said. Businesses were cleared out past the Harley Davidson store.

Reached by phone, Cafe du Monde President and owner Jay Roman said there was an issue with some of the old timbers in the attic between the beignet shop and Aunt Sally’s Pralines next door.

“They wanted everyone out of the building out of an abundance of caution,” he said.

The New Orleans Fire Department is currently on scene. No other information, including when damage was detected, was immediately available.

Decatur from St. Peter Street to Dumaine Street is experiencing heavy traffic delays that are expected to last until 4 p.m. due to the incident, the city of New Orleans said in a press release. Drivers were asked to avoid that section of the French Quarter.

Roman said Cafe Du Monde will likely reopen tomorrow..

This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 2:22 PM.