After a decade operating in Kenner’s Rivertown district, Gendusa’s Italian Eatery will close its location at 325 Williams Blvd. on Sunday, Jan. 11, and soon move to a new location.
“It’s getting busy here, and I hate to leave,” owner Troy Gendusa said. “It’s going to be overall better. I wouldn’t have made the move if I didn’t think it was going to be good.”
While the charm of the cottage surrounded by a white picket fence made for a nice, cozy location, Gendusa said he didn’t enjoy having to turn away large parties or sometimes having to put people on a longer wait, which would discourage hungry diners from enjoying a meal at his establishment.
Large meatballs are served at Gendusa’s Italian Market in the Rivertown area of Kenner.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
When George Messina showed him the former Messina’s location at 2717 Williams Blvd., Gendusa said he saw “the possibilities” of what his restaurant could look like in a new space. He said the new venue would allow him to serve more people who want to celebrate life’s moments with their food.
The new location would more than double the restaurant’s seating capabilities, triple the kitchen size and add 66 parking spaces.
With the new space, Gendusa said that he wants to bring in a new chef and has been working on several dishes to add to the menu.
“I’ve got a lot coming,” he said.
Troy Gendusa, shown here in 2019, first opened Gendusa’s Italian Market as a cafe and deli but soon developed it into a full-service Italian restaurant with a devoted following. (File photo by Chris Granger)
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
While changes may be coming, Gendusa said he plans to keep serving the regular menu, including his specialty of pizza, and will still be a “come-as-you-are” type of restaurant, meaning there’s no reason to get dressed up unless that’s your prerogative.
Gendusa said the new location will open soon after the Kenner cottage closes, but an opening date has not yet been determined.
“It’s going to be done in true Gendusa’s fashion. It will be quick,” he said.
Gendusa’s original location at 405 Williams Blvd. was destroyed by a fire in 2020 and reopened in the Rivertown cottage two days later.
The last days of service at the 325 Williams Blvd. location are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dining and Cooking