Dear friends,

Through four decades, JoAnn Clevenger presided over Upperline, one of the most remarkable restaurants in New Orleans, a city filled with so many great dining destinations.

Of course most of us fondly remember the gumbo and turtle soup, the duck étouffée and the fried green tomatoes with shrimp rémoulade, an Upperline original that became a regional standard.

But the defining aspect of Upperline was JoAnn herself. More than just a great place to eat, the restaurant was her expression of community and hospitality, told through cuisine, the collection of art on the walls, and the relationships she cultivated under its roof.

Upperline served its last meal when the pandemic temporarily closed our restaurants in 2020. By the end of 2021, JoAnn and her family decided it was the right time to retire. She subsequently turned to Corporate Realty to represent the sale of the restaurant property, which is presently on the market.

Today, the memories of Upperline and the lessons of JoAnn’s life in hospitality inspire us still, and they are the foundation for this year’s recipe and transaction campaign.

We are passionate about New Orleans culture and how we share it in our community. Our annual recipe and transaction series pays tribute to this culture, and helps us keep everyone informed about our real estate successes.

A shared culture plays a key role in our company. It guides our relationships with colleagues and clients and informs our ideas of service. It drives us to find ways to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.

Throughout this year, we will share insight and observations on JoAnn’s life and contributions from people who know and appreciate New Orleans culture.

Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, JoAnn came to New Orleans in the 1960s and became an integral part of a bohemian renaissance underway in the French Quarter. She opened the music hall Andy’s on Bourbon Street and the bar The Abbey Street. She had flower vending carts and later the store Matilda’s, which was her entry to the and ultimately led to JoAnn designing costumes for One Mo’ Time.

She originally teamed up with her son Jason, a chef, to open Upperline in 1983. Through the years and the influences of different chefs, JoAnn molded the restaurant’s character as a reflection of herself and her relationships. As a host, she was always looking for ways to connect others, always looking for the shared value and community bond.

I look forward to the conversations this year’s tribute to JoAnn will stir and to the connections we can create and strengthen in our business and in our community.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Siegel, President
Corporate Realty Inc.

FeaturedImage courtesy of The New Orleans Times-Picayune.