FAQ
Q&A for Dickie Brennan Group (DBRG) and
Le Petit Theatre (LPT) Board of Governors
QUESTIONS FOR DBRG:
Why does the Dickie Brennan Restaurant Group (DBRG) want to purchase Le Petit?
Because it is not only a good thing for New Orleans’ theatrical community, our partnership with Le Petit ensures this almost one-hundred-year-old organization remains a vital cultural force in the city for the next hundred, too. When LPT board members approached DBRG about the Theatre’s financial problems, we asked, “How can we help?” Out of this conversation came a partnership that will set Le Petit on a firm foundation and allow their tradition of quality theatrical performances to not only continue, but also flourish by building a first-class restaurant on the premises that will rival any in New York or San Francisco. Working together our plan creates jobs, tax revenues and terrific exposure for Le Petit as it reaches new audiences.
What do you plan on doing to the Theatre? We hear you are going to turn it into a dinner theatre.
No, we are not. We are purchasing 60% of the building and will open a first-class restaurant in that space. Our purchase includes the small theatre, upper floors and main lobby. However, under our deal, LPT will maintain control of the main stage, main stage lobby, orchestra pit, and stack room. The rest of the property – the courtyard, center lobby, library, and Chartres Street entrance will be shared space for the theatre during performance and event days. Le Petit will still be producing plays, and we are handling facilities maintenance. We are redoing everything to provide theatregoers a better experience and introduce new patrons to the excellence of Le Petit. The show will go on!
So what about the Children’s Theatre?
Children’s theater is not disappearing from La Petit. It is just moving. Currently, the children’s productions occur in a weathered, black-box-style theater that has had a variety of names and is currently called Muriel’s Cabaret Theatre. Under our plan, the children’s productions would move from this small outlet to the main stage. This will allow children the opportunity to experience the magic of live theater on a 365-seat main stage that comes with all the bells and whistles of a professional stage. It’s a step up.
Many people say a restaurant will interfere with performances due to noise and operations.
It will not interfere with operations at all. The outside wall of the main stage theatre is solid brick —virtually soundproof. In addition, we will make certain that on performance nights there will be no seating in the Courtyard. That will remain for the theatre patrons’ use on those nights.
Is there precedence for placing a restaurant in a theater?
There are plenty. There are theatres all over the country that have partnered with restaurants. The Helen Hayes Theatre and Booth Theatre in New York are two successful theatres that have adjacent restaurants serving all patrons. Other regional theatres like Louisville’s Actors Theatre and Connecticut’s Westport Players Theatre boast either full-service kitchens or restaurants for their patrons.
What will the name of the restaurant be?
We have some ideas but nothing has been decided. Some of the proposed names include Cafe de la Louisiane, Cafe de Vieux Carré and Tableaux at Le Petit Theatre. The name “Cafe de la Louisiane” comes from a restaurant of the same name that was located a t the exact same location over 100 years ago. As soon as we know, we’ll let you know.
What kind of food will you serve?
Our menu will be a theatre-based concept. For example, we may have Act I as the appetizers; Act 2 as the main course; and Act III for desserts. We will possibly serve seafood, salads and other original inspired dishes. We are also thinking of serving Petit Plates, incorporate tasting size portions of our regular menu for pre and post theatre guests. We may feature things like the Stocker Fontelieu table and serve dishes inspired by famous actors and directors.
How may people can be seated?
The main dining area on the first floor is expected to have seating capacity for 75 guests. We will also have private dining rooms on the second floor. The Green Room will seat approximately 48; the Drawing Room has seating capacity for approximately 64 and the Petit Drawing Rooms (Lake or River) will seat approximately 24 each.
Will there be space to rent out for private parties?
Yes. We plan four private dining rooms with seating capacity of 24-to-64 people for each room.
How many people will the restaurant employ?
We will be putting about 100 people t o work and providing wages with benefits that are largely unheard of in the restaurant industry, including a median annual salary of $30,000 for hourly employees. Additionally, DBRG’s Open Door Policy has helped DBRG make CityBusiness’ “Best Places to Work” list for four of the past five years. We offer a full range of benefits including health and dental coverage, life insurance, paid vacation, a 401(k) plan, educational benefits, home ownership benefits, a family meal offered twice daily and credit union membership.
What will the hours be? Is there going to be an all-night bar?
No. We have no intentions of having an all-night bar. The current operations of all DBRG restaurants are indicative of what our future operations will be at Le Petit Theatre. All our restaurants close at 11 pm. We want to make sure our employees get rest so we send them home to get ready for the next day. Also, our plans are for a restaurant, which serves more food than liquor. We will have a liquor license but don’t plan to operate as a bar.
What about parking?
Parking has always been an issue in the French Quarter. We are hoping to drive a lot of pedestrian traffic to the restaurant and theatre. We will be cross-promoting LPT shows in our other restaurants, walking distance to the theatre, to thousands of patrons.
What if the restaurant isn’t as successful as you hope? Will you turn it into something else or sell it?
The LPT building is already zoned properly to allow for a restaurant at the location, so no special zoning changes will have to be made. Additionally, the DBRG has agreed to a deed-restricted title. That means that the location will stay as is. It cannot later become a daiquiri hut or t-shirt shop.
When do you plan on breaking ground?
It depends on how the issue at hand plays out. If our deal is approved, we would like to begin construction as soon as we can. We think it may take about eight months to complete the restaurant.
