There was a time when Eugene Anderson worked at a title insurance company—compiling databases—all day.
At home, however, he devoted his time to his true passion—making “wonderful meals and gourmet drinks for my wife (Adrian Anderson) by night,” he says.
When he and his wife opened Krewe Du Brew in 2012 during Mardi Gras weekend, Eugene and Adrian managed to turn his passion into a reality.
“It was a dream of his;” says Adrian “It came out of his desire to be an entrepreneur and reach out to the community in a way that is personal to him.”
Eugene manages the day-to-day operation of the shop while Adrian continues her work as alumni director at Dillard University while also supporting the shop with logistics.
While the couple shares in volunteering at their local church, Blessings Beyond International Church, they also utilize Krewe du Brew as an opportunity to give back to the community. For instance, they offer “Tea for Teachers” every Sunday as an opportunity for teachers to prepare for upcoming school week ahead. And the shop opens up its space to local artists by featuring a rotating display of their work.
The Andersons say it all helps to create Krewe Du Brew’s warm friendly atmosphere.
“We love people” says Gene. “I think our shop is pretty popular because we make everyone feel like they’re at home.”
The menu consists of a vast variety of coffee drinks, from a bold Ethiopian drip to a more complex drink like a Cuban espresso. Still, Krewe Du Brew offers more than coffee products. The shop has an assortment of soft drinks, including frozen fruit lemonades and Italian sodas, and appetizing foods.
“Gene is really the creative vision for our place,” say Adrian. “He is great at preparing food and drinks. We also serve a variety of teas, from your strict herbal blends to our Pawberry tea,” says Adrian “It was coined by Eugene for his peach and strawberry tea-fusion.”
The “Krewe de gras” are the $5 breakfast specialty sandwiches served on croissant. Panini sandwiches, named for local neighborhoods, are served up for lunch–the Treme Chicken” (Panini on an egg and onion roll, Adrian and Gene’s favorite), “The 3rd Ward Spy-boy” and the “Marigny Triangle”—just to name a few.
Krewe Du Brew, located at 1610 St Charles Ave., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For information, visit krewedubrewnola.com.
