City Awards Contract to Operate Restaurant at Joe Bartholomew Golf Course to The Munch Factory

The city of New Orleans recently announced the awarding of the contract to operate a restaurant at Joe Bartholomew Golf Course to The Munch Factory. Munch Factory, which originally operated in the Gentilly neighborhood, moved its location to the Lower Garden District. The expansion to the golf course represents a return to its roots.

Upon the lease expiration of the previous restaurant operator, Parks and Parkways released a Request for Proposal to obtain a new operator. The Munch Factory was selected and plans to open in mid-September. 

“It is great to see a neighborhood favorite return back to Gentilly. By expanding The Munch Factory’s operations to Joe Bartholomew Golf Course, in the heart of Pontchartrain Park, they are demonstrating the success we’d like to see for all of our small businesses. This is a win-win-win, a win for the golf course, a win for the patrons and a win for the neighborhood,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we are remaining intentional about creating an equitable procurement process and ensuring that our small businesses have access to their fair share of opportunities.”

The Munch Factory co-owners Jordan Ruiz and Alexis Pearson Ruiz said, “When we moved from Gentilly, we promised our customers who became our family, that if the opportunity presented itself, we would want nothing more than to return to our beloved area. Having grown up in Gentilly, we are both committed to bringing positivity, jobs and, of course, delicious food to our wonderful neighbors! See you in early September!”

Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring between 5,314 yards to 6,823. Owned and operated by the city of New Orleans’ Department of Parks and Parkways, the course includes a double-ended driving range, putting green and a newly renovated clubhouse, including a meeting room and restaurant. Last year, the course hosted more than 26,000 rounds of golf played. Originally opened as the Pontchartrain Golf Course in 1956, the Joseph M. Bartholomew Golf Municipal Course was renovated in 1979 and renamed to honor the first African American inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.

New Orleans Culture Card Unveiled

The first and only discount card that supports Black businesses in New Orleans is here. Everyone is invited to discover, shop and get incredible savings at participating restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, museums, bars and more for an entire year.

The Culture Card’s mission is to develop New Orleans’ Black business community through innovative promotions. With every penny spent, you are supporting a small emerging business.  Also, a portion of proceeds will go to local charities.

The New Orleans Culture Card was launched in 2019 by entrepreneur and former news anchor, Camille Whitworth, whose mission in this promotional venture is to build community support of Black-owned businesses. 

By teaming up with some of the city’s best businesses and hidden gems, Culture Cardholders can shop and save while supporting Black-owned businesses.  

How it works:

1. Buy the Culture Card online for $25 (taxes & shipping included) at  neworleansculturecard.com.

2. Also, go to the website to discover Culture Card’s local black-owned business partners.

3. Once you get the card in the mail, take it with you to any of the Culture Card partner business locations.

4. Show card at participating venues found on neworleansculturecard.com to receive your discount. (Discounts vary at each establishment.)

To buy a New Orleans Culture Card online:  www.neworleansculturecard.com. 

To have your business included as a culture card partner, email nolaculturecard@gmail.com

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