Nonna Randazzo’s: A Sweet Celebration
Celebrating with king cake is a beloved New Orleans custom spread around the world by relocated natives longing for sweet memories, travelers reliving their revelry after returning home, and locals sharing their seasonal spirit with friends and family far away. But, one might be surprised to learn that, since Katrina, one of the most popular names in king cakes bakes and ships from the Northshore, ensuring the sweet tradition rolls on.
“This September marked Nonna Randazzo’s 15th year in St. Tammany. And we’re so happy with the support this community has shown us and our ability to give that support right back,” says Joel Randazzo Forjet, daughter of founding Randazzo brother, Lawrence. “We’re also excited to unveil a new and special king cake flavor that we’ve created and named especially for St. Tammany. It’s the best way we know how to show our appreciation for everyone who welcomed us and continues to help us expand in size and offerings.”
New St. Tammany King Cake Flavor Unveiled
The name and flavor of the new confection are under wraps until the unveiling (date to be announced soon), when dignitaries and media get a first look and taste and anniversary cake will be given to the public at the bakery’s Covington location. The anniversary celebration will also include events centering around community and charitable endeavors. Joel and husband Felix, the head baker, along with their children and families – all involved in the business – will present Miracle League Northshore with a generous contribution, as they have for the past several years. The funds support a special field and facilities at Coquille Parks that help children of all abilities to play sports. Also, the proceeds from September cookie sales went to benefit the Tunnel of Towers Foundation Fallen First Responders Home Program, of which the family of Police Captain Vincent Liberto was a beneficiary.
So Much More than Sweets
Never resting as small business owners, Joel says they’ve grown Nonna Randazzo’s into so much more than the bakery that started generations ago. “We still follow the exacting standards that were established decades ago including truly handmade desserts, but we’ve also made the Covington location an inviting place for gatherings with lunch, wine, specialty drinks, to-go items, and catering. Our daughter, Lauren, completed John Folse’s program at Nichols and is the chef for our special wine dinners which sell out very quickly. At 15, our grandson Felix IV helps with shipping and is learning the business; at 8, Jaxton already knows he wants to be a baker, and the little ones have the very important job as tasters.
This is our legacy from my parents, and our family will continue to make it grow. We work hard to make sure it will endure by running a quality operation that appreciates and contributes to our community.”
For more information about all that Nonna Randazzo’s has to offer, visit nonnarandazzos.com.
