New Orleans Original Daiquiris finally breaking into Baton Rouge

New Orleans Original Daiquiris, a Metairie-based company with more than 50 daiquiri shops around the country, is moving into Baton Rouge in early 2013, after years of intentionally overlooking the local market. “We stayed out of Baton Rouge because for a long time we perceived the zoning laws were not favorable to our use,” says Joe Pando, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “But we really let that market slip completely.” The company is making up for lost time. The first local New Orleans Original Daiquiris shop will open this spring in the Siegen Place Shopping Center, which is currently under construction on Siegen Lane near Industriplex Boulevard.

“We hope it will be the first of several in the market,” says Pando. “We have a lot of brand fans in Baton Rouge, and people have been begging us forever to open there.” With signature flavors like Crawgator, Blue Bayou and Mardi Gras Mash, New Orleans Original Daiquiris—which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013—is one of the largest daiquiri shop chains in the country. It currently has 36 Louisiana locations, most of which are company owned, as well as 20 out-of-state stores, which are operated under the Fat Tuesday brand name. New Orleans Original Daiquiris will join national retailers Mattress First and Batteries Plus in the new shopping center, which is about 70% leased, according to developer Kevin Nguyen. —Stephanie Riegel