Bienville Beyond The Bricks

By Michael Allen Zell

11/6/2023

On Monday, October 30, 2023, New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams held a press conference at New Image Supermarket, 1216 Bienville (at Crozat), a block off Basin and steps from the French Quarter. Not only was the market closed as an alleged criminal hotspot, but the property was seized in a rare case of asset forfeiture. This was the highest profile closing of a city corner store since the notorious Jack’s Meat Market at 2279 N. Derbigny (at Mandeville) was shut down. Here’s where the city’s motivation gets interesting with the history of this area, the specific location, and those involved. Time for the nitty gritty.

Photo below: New Image Supermarket, 1216 Bienville, photo by M.A.Z.