FEATURES
Poverty is still a dirty word in the U.S.
by Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Radio Station WBOK: Listen Up!
by Anitra D. Brown
The Wright Stuff
by: Keli Fulton
Southern Hospitality
by Anita Oubre
The Orange Couch Café
by Fallon Jai
Columns & Departments
The Orange Couch Café
Marigny resident Jonnie Sanders has put a bright spot in the area with The Orange Couch Café.
Making its debut in October 2008, this establishment adds a different vibe to the already eclectic Marigny neighborhood with its all-white décor and an orange couch as its centerpiece that creates a cool retro atmosphere. Add to that the Asian-inspired menu, which includes Thai Tea Milkshakes, mochi ice cream and Vietnamese coffee, and there is definitely some new flavor in Marigny.
“Before I moved to New Orleans, I lived near China Town in San Francisco for several years and I would shop and eat there,” Sanders said. “I love Asian cuisine and I figured it would add a unique flair to the cafe.”
Although Sanders is a proud Marigny resident and business owner, New Orleans is not his original home.
He was born in Berkley, California and raised in Oakland. He later moved to San Francisco where he attended the Academy of Art for a few years. And although he did not complete his education there, he continued to practice and appreciate art.
“I like any creative expression. I paint, write poetry, and play the bass,” Sanders said. “I see this café as art.”
Sanders also began working in the hotel industry, to which he credits his business knowledge.
“By working in hotels, it gave me the experience I needed to handle customer service properly,” he said.
Aside from working at hotels, Sanders began volunteering his time with a tour company—an activity that acquainted him with New Orleans.
“I use to volunteer for a tour company working with special needs people with Down syndrome and Autism. We did a trip to New Orleans and that was my first time here,” Sanders said. “I loved it—the old architecture, the music, the culture. When I went back to San Francisco, I told my friends I was moving to New Orleans.”
Eight months later, Sanders was able to get his job to transfer him and he moved to the Crescent City. .
And though his desire to reside here was immediate, the idea of entrepreneurship was not. Sanders worked in the hotel industry for several years before deciding that it was time for him to open his own business.
After he decided he wanted to open a café, he knew he wanted it to be unique and stand apart from the vast number of cafés around the city. He teamed up with an architect to create a modern retro environment that allowed him to express his artistic talents through paintings, furniture and other décor.
“I wanted to have a creative café (because) it’s an extension of me—my personality,” Sanders said. “That’s why I named it The Orange Couch. The name (grabs) people’s interest.”
He also felt it was very important to open a place with a pleasant environment that would allow customers to relax and enjoy themselves.
“I decided to open a coffee shop because it’s a place where people can gather, talk and hangout. And it would allow me to use my years of customer service, love of art and provide me with a job all at the same time,” Sanders said
The vibe of the café changes from day to night.
“During the day, it’s a light, fresh and airy atmosphere you can come to study, read and enjoy your favorite drink or pastry. At night, it has lounge feel to it where you can come to have a desert date or hangout with friends,” he said.
Along with the evening lounge atmosphere, Sanders also features local up and coming musicians.
“Occasionally, we have young musicians play on Mondays and Thursdays,” Sanders said. “If they want a place to play, they can come play.”
And Sanders said that his Marigny neighbors have been very supportive of him.
“I have great community support. I understand the needs of the neighborhood because I’m a part of it,” he said. “I feel it is important to reside where you have a business because it will allow you to be familiar with the market and have a relationship with your customers. People are very happy have that alternative coffee shop. They appreciate that it’s a clean space and also it’s unique design.”For information on The Orange Couch Café, call 504-267-7327.
