News Summary
Arkesha Baquet, owner of Li’l Dizzy’s Café in New Orleans, expresses frustration over ongoing flooding that hampers business, particularly on busy Mondays. The flooding, exacerbated by a faulty drainage system, discourages customer visits and highlights broader infrastructure challenges in the community. Despite efforts to address the issue, city officials have yet to implement effective solutions, leaving business owners like Baquet in a tough situation as they await improvements to local drainage.
New Orleans – Arkesha Baquet, the owner of Li’l Dizzy’s Café in the Treme neighborhood, is voicing her frustration over chronic flooding issues that continue to hinder her business. The persistent flooding outside the popular eatery has become a significant concern, particularly impacting customer traffic on normally busy days, such as Mondays when red beans and rice is featured on the menu.
During rainy weather, Baquet describes the street outside her café as “Lake Esplanade,” highlighting the severity of the flooding. Recent social media posts include cellphone videos showing the adverse conditions, which have discouraged patrons from visiting the café. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the drainage system in front of the restaurant is faulty, with two catch basins failing to drain properly.
Baquet has been dealing with flooding issues for years, but despite efforts to bring attention to the situation, no substantial actions have been taken by city officials or the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to resolve the drainage problem. This has led to a negative impact on business, particularly on days when the café would expect increased customer turnout.
The Impact of Flooding on Business
The flooding outside Li’l Dizzy’s Café creates a challenging atmosphere for both the owner and customers. On rainy days, particularly Mondays, the business suffers greatly as fewer customers venture out in adverse weather conditions. Baquet noted that Mondays are typically a peak day for sales of red beans and rice, a popular dish that draws in locals and visitors alike. However, the current state of the street makes it difficult for customers to access her café.
The lack of proper drainage has resulted in a frustrating cycle for Baquet. With each downpour, the water accumulates, creating an unwelcoming environment that not only affects sales but also discourages repeat business. The visibility of flooding on social media has drawn attention to the issue, but concrete solutions remain absent.
Ongoing Changes in the Sewerage and Water Board
The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board is currently in the process of taking over the drainage system from the city’s Department of Public Works. While this transition may lead to improved infrastructure and maintenance in the long run, Baquet and other local business owners are now facing a period of uncertainty as these changes unfold. Without immediate intervention to address the flooding, Baquet is left to manage the impact on her café, awaiting tangible solutions that could alleviate the burden of chronic flooding.
Background and Community Concerns
Li’l Dizzy’s Café has been a staple in the Treme neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Louisiana cuisine. However, the ongoing flooding concerns have prompted broader discussions about infrastructure challenges in New Orleans, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Local residents and business owners alike continue to grapple with the implications of inadequate drainage, which can lead to both financial strain and safety hazards.
The repeated frustrations expressed by Baquet underscore a growing urgency for city officials to prioritize solutions for persistent flooding. As community members advocate for better drainage systems, they hope that addressing these challenges will revitalize not only local businesses but also the overall quality of life in New Orleans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NOLA: A History of the Baquets, New Orleans Restaurant Family
- Rewire News Group: LSU Group Combats Louisiana’s Reproductive Health Crisis
- The Advertiser: Li’l Dizzy’s Café Risk of Closing as Baquet Family Rallies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dean Baquet
- Legacy: Albert Baquet Obituary
- Google Search: Chronic Flooding New Orleans
