Owen Brennan (restaurateur) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Owen Edward Brennan Sr.
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| Born | April 5, 1910 New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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| Died | November 5, 1955 (aged 45) New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Nationality | Irish-American |
| Occupation | Restaurateur: Owen Brennan's French & Creole Restaurant |
| Spouse(s) | Maude Brennan |
| Children | Owen Edward Brennan Jr. James Brennan Theodore Brennan |
| Parent(s) | Owen Patrick Sr., and Nellie Valentine Brennan |
| Relatives | Richard Brennan Sr. (brother)Ella Brennan (Louisiana)(sister) |
Owen Edward Brennan Sr. (born April 5, 1910 – died November 4, 1955) was a famous restaurant owner from New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1946, he started his first restaurant, Owen Brennan's Vieux Carre Restaurant. It was located 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.
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Owen Brennan's Early Life
Owen Brennan was born in New Orleans. His parents were Owen Patrick Brennan and Nellie Valentine. Owen was the oldest of six children. He felt it was important to help his family from a young age. He and his wife, Maude, had three sons: Owen Jr., James, and Theodore.
Starting a Restaurant Business
Owen was very determined to succeed. In 1943, he bought a famous place called the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. He became well-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.
Owen hired many family members to work in his restaurant. The business did very well and gained many regular customers. A very famous dessert, Bananas Foster, was actually created at his restaurant!
Moving to a New Location
In 1954, Owen needed to renew the lease for his restaurant. However, his landlord asked for half of the restaurant's profits. Owen did not agree to this. So, he decided to move his restaurant. He found an old building on Royal Street. He worked hard to turn it into the new and improved Brennan's Restaurant.
Sadly, Owen did not get to see his new restaurant open to the public. He passed away in his sleep on November 4, 1955. He was only 45 years old. 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 the city's high society.
To make Mardi Gras more fun for tourists, Owen created a brand new Krewe. He even held two Bacchus Carnival balls. One was in 1949, and the other 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., to bring new life to the New Orleans Carnival. On February 16, 1969, the Krewe of Bacchus held its first Mardi Gras parade.
