Left: Joseph Culotta standing behind the counter.
Right: Chris Culotta, Kelly Culotta, and Nancy Noonan
The Culotta family grocery store, built in 1949 at 705 St. Joseph’s Street in the historic Beauregard Town neighborhood, once stood as a bustling hub for the community. Owned by Joseph Culotta, this neighborhood store became affectionately known as "Culotta's Grocery." Over time, it gained another nickname, “Triangle Grocery,” due to Beauregard Town’s unique street design, where roads converge at sharp angles, giving the area a distinctive shape. Alongside the grocery, Joseph’s sons operated an ice cream shop in a nearby area, adding a special touch to this family-run business.
The grocery store wasn’t just a place to buy everyday goods—it was a social spot where neighbors gathered. One of the store’s most colorful visitors was none other than Louisiana's Governor Earl Long, who would frequent the shop to drink beer and play checkers with Joseph Culotta. The store stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood through the 1950s and was a vivid reflection of the tight-knit community that once thrived in Beauregard Town.
Left: This is what the Garden House looks like now.
Right: Russel and Chris stand outside the building and pose for a picture under the permanent sign that bears their family name.
As the decades passed, the area around Beauregard Town changed. With the construction of the interstate and the flight of residents away from the city center, neighborhoods like Beauregard Town fell into disrepair. The building that once housed Culotta's Grocery became dormant for years, reflecting the slow decay of the area. Yet, the spirit of renewal wasn’t far off.
In 2023, Nancy Noonan, a businesswoman from Florida, discovered the building. Originally, she had her eye on a different property, but fate led her to the former Culotta Grocery. Upon seeing it, she immediately fell in love with the space and knew it was the perfect spot for her vision. After renting it for a year, Nancy purchased the property and began the process of transforming it into The Garden House, a charming event venue.
Through extensive renovations, Nancy breathed new life into the historic building, preserving its essence while adding modern touches. The former back wall now features French doors that open to a picturesque courtyard, perfect for weddings, small concerts, and intimate gatherings.
By February 2024, the building’s history took on an even deeper significance when Chris Culotta, the grandson of Joseph Culotta, stepped into the building for the first time since it had been part of his family's legacy. He joined the Downtown East Social Ride, and on that serendipitous evening, the group visited The Garden House, unaware of Chris' connection. It was an emotional moment as Chris shared stories of his grandfather’s grocery store with the group, bringing a piece of Baton Rouge history full circle.
Today, The Garden House stands as a blend of old and new—celebrating Beauregard Town’s past while creating new memories for future generations. The building is a testament to the resilience of the neighborhood and the legacy of the Culotta family.
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