GRETNA, La. — Condolences are pouring in following the death of Jimmy Cho, owner and chef of Banana Blossom in Gretna. The restaurant announced his passing on Tuesday.
Cho died at the age of 50 and is remembered for his passion for life, food, travel and bringing people together.
In 2009, Banana Blossom opened, serving Thai cuisine and a twist on classic New Orleans dishes. The restaurant announced that it will be closed until further notice, with no reopening date set.
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In a heartfelt statement, Banana Blossom said Cho poured his personality and creativity into the restaurant. From choosing fresh flowers to carefully plating each dish, he put thought into the little things that made the restaurant special.
“Every detail mattered to Jimmy, from the beautiful, fresh flowers he personally handpicked and arranged to the presentation of his food and the atmosphere he created. Banana Blossom was more than a restaurant. It was a reflection of Jimmy himself—warm, welcoming, creative, and full of life.”
Across Facebook, community members shared photos of Cho smiling with guests and memories of his kindness, recalling how he welcomed people and built a community where they felt cared for.
Members of the City of Gretna, including Mayor Belinda Constant and Chief of Police Brett Lawson, released a joint statement Wednesday morning, calling Cho “more than a local business owner.”
“Through Banana Blossom, he became part of the fabric of Gretna, serving our residents and contributing to the character and spirit of our city,” officials wrote. “His passing is a tremendous loss, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”
Cho’s cause of death has not been announced. A celebration of life for Cho is scheduled for Nov. 8.
Read the full statement from Banana Blossom below:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Cho, a beloved friend, talented chef, and the heart and soul behind Banana Blossom.
Jimmy was so much more than a successful restaurateur. He was a genuinely kind, generous, and thoughtful person who had a remarkable way of making everyone feel special. No matter how busy the restaurant was, he always found time to visit with his guests, share a conversation, and make everyone feel as though they were the most important people in the room.
Jimmy had an incredible passion for life, food, travel, and bringing people together. We always loved hearing about his latest travels, the unique pieces he would bring back to incorporate into his restaurant, and the inspiration he found along the way. He was constantly creating, collaborating with other restaurants and chefs, and introducing special dishes that reflected his creativity, recent travels and love for the culinary arts.
Every detail mattered to Jimmy, from the beautiful, fresh flowers he personally handpicked and arranged to the presentation of his food and the atmosphere he created. Banana Blossom was more than a restaurant. It was a reflection of Jimmy himself—warm, welcoming, creative, and full of life.
His passing is a heartbreaking reminder that we never truly know what someone may be going through behind their smile. Sometimes those who bring the most joy to others are silently facing struggles of their own. We hope the tremendous outpouring of love and beautiful tributes to Jimmy will remind anyone who may be struggling that they are loved, valued, and never alone.
Our hearts go out to Jimmy’s family, friends, the entire Banana Blossom family, and the countless people whose lives he touched.
We only wish Jimmy could have seen himself through the eyes of all the people who loved and admired him. His kindness, generosity, creativity, and friendship left a lasting impression on our community, and his legacy will live on through the memories he created and the lives he touched.
Rest in peace, Jimmy. You were loved more than you could have ever imagined.”
Dining and Cooking