Owen Brennan facts for kids

Owen Edward Brennan Sr. (born April 5, 1910 – died November 4, 1955) was a famous restaurateur from New Orleans, Louisiana. A restaurateur is someone who owns or manages a restaurant. In 1946, he started his first restaurant, Owen Brennan's Vieux Carre Restaurant, on Bourbon Street. Later, he moved his restaurant to Royal Street. This new place became known as "Brennan's Restaurant." It opened shortly after Owen's unexpected death in 1955.

Owen Brennan's Early Life

Owen Brennan was born on April 5, 1910. His parents were Owen Patrick Brennan and Nellie Valentine. He was the oldest of six children. Owen felt it was important to help support his family from a young age.

He married Maude, and they had three sons. Their sons were named Owen Jr., James, and Theodore. Owen was determined to succeed in life.

Starting a Restaurant Business

In 1943, Owen Brennan bought the Old Absinthe House. This famous building was located on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He quickly became known for being a great host to his customers.

In July 1946, Owen opened his own place. It was called Owen Brennan's French & Creole Restaurant. People often called it the Vieux Carre. This restaurant became very popular.

Family and Famous Dishes

Owen hired many of his family members to work at the restaurant. The business grew and gained many regular customers. A very famous dessert was created at his restaurant. This dish is called Bananas Foster.

Moving the Restaurant

In 1954, Owen needed to renew his restaurant's lease. However, the landlord asked for half of the restaurant's profits. Owen did not agree to this demand.

So, he decided to move his restaurant. He found an old building on Royal Street. He worked to turn it into the new and improved Brennan's Restaurant. Sadly, Owen Brennan passed away before the new restaurant opened. He died in his sleep on November 4, 1955, at the age of 45. The new Brennan's Restaurant opened the following spring.

Founding the Krewe of Bacchus

Besides being a successful restaurant owner, Owen Brennan also started something special. He was the founder of the Krewe of Bacchus. He launched this group in 1949.

Owen noticed that many tourists visiting for Mardi Gras were unhappy. At that time, most Carnival balls were only for people from New Orleans' high society. Tourists were often left out.

A Krewe for Everyone

To make Mardi Gras more welcoming, Owen created a new Krewe. A Krewe is a group that organizes a parade and other events during Carnival. He held two Bacchus Carnival balls, one in 1949 and another in 1950.

After Owen Brennan Sr. passed away, his son Owen "Pip" Brennan Jr. took over the Krewe in 1968. He worked with his uncle, Richard Brennan Sr.. Together, they brought new life to the New Orleans Carnival. On February 16, 1969, the Krewe of Bacchus held its first Mardi Gras parade.