The Praline Connection Has Been Sold, Will Move to French Quarter

Creole food classic the Praline Connection has changed ownership, and the new owner is preparing to move it to the French Quarter at the end of November.

According to a detailed report in the Advocate, co-founders Curtis Moore and Cecil Kaigler have sold the business to Aaron Motwani, who owns local chain Willie’s Chicken Shack. Motwani, the son of major downtown New Orleans property owner Kishore Motwani, also owns a number of franchises of New York chain the Halal Guys in Louisiana and Florida.

Motwani’s first order of business for the nearly 30-year-old restaurant is to move it to a location on the corner of Decatur and Bienville streets, which is set to open November 30. It also happens to be a former Willie’s Chicken Shack location, with the building owned by Aaron Motwani.

That means the original location on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny will close — its final day in business is November 26.

It seems Motwani could have plans to scale up the restaurant’s operations: the Advocate’s story notes that Motwani is interested in “developing” the brand, and likely adding more locations.

Praline Connection’s other New Orleans location, a counter at Louis Armstrong Airport, will continue to operate as normal. However, it’s set to close when the airport’s new terminal opens in 2019. Praline Connection Express, on Canal Street, has been closed for several weeks now.

• With new owner, Praline Connection will depart Frenchmen Street after 28 years [The Advocate]