Iconic New Orleans Restaurant For Sale

Corporate Realty, Inc. announced on May 27, 2022, that it exclusively represents owners JoAnn Clevenger, Alan Greenacre, and Jason Clevenger in selling the memorable Upperline Restaurant, located at 1413 Upperline and 4836 Pitt streets.

The 4,293-sf property currently has a liquor license and is outfitted with fixtures, furniture, and equipment. These include kitchen equipment, tables and chairs, office equipment, and more. There are three dining rooms that contribute to the eclectic ambiance. The ground floor also features a small bar area, the kitchen, restrooms, and storage. The second floor has a large office, prep kitchen, wine storage room, and another room that can be used for storage or has the potential for expansion as a private event room.

“For over three decades, Upperline was one of the best, and most iconic, restaurants in New Orleans. Led by the legendary JoAnn Clevenger, Upperline combined an unmatched combination of exceptional food, a warm atmosphere, and a great location. While we are not offering the food, Corporate Realty is pleased to offer this one-of-a-kind building and location to the market,” said Michael J. Siegel, SIOR, president of Corporate Realty and one of the two agents representing this restaurant.

Located in historic Uptown, the restaurant is one block off St. Charles Avenue along the thriving Prytania corridor. It anchors a two-block dining destination that includes local ice cream shop Creole Creamery, La Crepe Nanou, Costera, St. James Cheese, and more.

This property has been a restaurant under different owners for almost nine decades, but it began as a single-family home at 4836 Pitt Street in the 1890s. In 1936 Salvaggio’s Restaurant opened in this location. It was also home to Martin’s and Kershenstine’s Barbecue before Clevenger came across the building. Initially looking for a second location for her vintage clothing store, she instead hung colorful art by New Orleans artists and opened Upperline Restaurant in 1983 with her son, Jason Clevenger, as the first chef. For almost forty years, it was a fixture in the New Orleans culinary landscape, as much for JoAnn as it was for the fine cuisine and innovative dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Rémoulade.

Scott Graf, CCIM, is the other agent representing this restaurant. Graf is a native New Orleanian and former professional chef who has enjoyed meals at Upperline.

“I was always a big fan of the restaurant and have great respect for JoAnn and what she has accomplished.  It is bittersweet, to be honest.  I am sad to see it go, but excited to see what happens next in this winning location,” Graf said.

For more information or to tour the property, please contact either Scott at sgraf@corp-realty.com or Mike at msiegel@corp-realty.com, or call them at 504.581.5005. You can also watch the interview that JoAnn Clevenger gave to Fox8 News on May 29, 2022.