Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket, a name synonymous with quality groceries and community ties in New Orleans, has recently unveiled its newly expanded store in Metairie. For generations, Zuppardo’s has been a go-to for local families, and for me personally, it’s been my supermarket since childhood. Whether it was the original Economical Supermarket on Elysian Fields and Gentilly, or the current Metairie location on Veterans and Transcontinental, Zuppardo’s has been a constant in my life, reflecting the evolution of grocery shopping in our neighborhoods.
Zuppardo's Family Supermarket grand opening in Metairie, Louisiana
From Banana Cart to “Economical” Success
The Zuppardo family’s journey in the grocery business began in 1895 when Peter Zuppardo immigrated from Sicily to New Orleans. He started in the wholesale banana trade, and his son, Anthony Leo Zuppardo, saw an opportunity in the ripe fruit that might otherwise go to waste. Anthony Leo started selling these bananas from a donkey cart, a humble beginning that would blossom into a local grocery empire.
By 1930, the Zuppardo’s had established a more permanent presence, parking a truck at the corner of Gentilly Road and Elysian Fields. At the time, Elysian Fields Avenue was still unpaved, a far cry from the bustling thoroughfare it is today. Despite the underdeveloped infrastructure, the Zuppardo family persevered. They purchased the corner lot and in 1937, transitioned from a truck to a storefront, officially establishing Economical Supermarket. This move coincided with the decline of New Orleans’ public market system, paving the way for private grocery stores to flourish after World War II. The post-war population boom in Gentilly further cemented Economical Supermarket’s success, demonstrating the family’s keen business sense and commitment to serving the growing community. These strong community roots laid the foundation for Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket’s future expansion into Metairie.
The Bell Cooperative and Neighborhood Growth
Economical Supermarket joined the Bell supermarket cooperative in the 1950s. This cooperative was formed by independent grocers to enhance their advertising and compete with the burgeoning “giant” supermarkets like Schwegmann’s. Local favorites such as Dorignac’s and Pap’s also adopted the Bell logo, creating a network of neighborhood grocery stores.
My own memories of Economical Supermarket date back to the 1960s. My mother, a Gentilly native, frequented the store with her grandmother. Even after my family moved to Metairie, we would regularly visit my grandmother, and grocery trips to Economical were often part of those visits. This personal connection underscores the supermarket’s deep integration into the fabric of Gentilly life.
Expansion to Metairie and Continued Service
As populations shifted, so did local businesses. The Papania family opened Pap’s Supermarket in another Gentilly location, while both Dorignac’s and Zuppardo’s expanded into Metairie, opening stores on Veterans Boulevard. Zuppardo’s chose a location at Veterans and Transcontinental, strategically positioning themselves to serve the growing Metairie population. While my family initially shopped at Dorignac’s and Schwegmann’s due to proximity in the late 1960s, my connection with Zuppardo’s was rekindled when I started high school near the original Elysian Fields store in 1971.
During my high school and college years, Economical Supermarket remained a convenient and budget-friendly option. Even after graduating and moving, I continued to find myself drawn back to the Gentilly location for groceries, highlighting the store’s enduring appeal and value.
Becoming Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket in Metairie
In 1986, my move to Metairie near Clearview and Veterans solidified Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket as my primary grocery store. By this time, the “Economical” moniker had been dropped, reflecting the store’s evolution and broader offerings. My children grew up accompanying me on shopping trips to Zuppardo’s, creating new generations of Zuppardo’s customers within my family. The cashiers watched them grow up, a testament to the personal and community-oriented atmosphere of the store.
The original Gentilly store, a landmark for so many, closed its doors in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the store and the surrounding neighborhood. Despite the closure of the original location, Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket in Metairie continued to thrive, serving as a testament to the family’s resilience and commitment to the New Orleans community.
A New Chapter for Zuppardo’s in Metairie
Recently, Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket in Metairie underwent a significant expansion, showcasing its continued growth and dedication to its customers. The store remained open throughout the expansion, a testament to the seamless transition and careful planning. For loyal customers like myself, who rely on Zuppardo’s for daily grocery needs, the brief period of adjustment while the new store opened was a reminder of how much we depend on our local supermarket. The newly expanded Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket promises an even better shopping experience while maintaining the same commitment to quality and community that has defined the store for generations.
Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket’s journey from a banana cart to a modern, expanded supermarket in Metairie is a true New Orleans success story. It reflects not only the growth of a family business but also the evolution of the city and its neighborhoods. Zuppardo’s remains a vital part of the community, providing quality groceries and a personal touch that larger chains often lack.
