The last week of Morning Call’s existence is like a quiet requiem. People are coming to say goodbye, getting their fix of beignets known for their signature do-it-yourself style of powdered sugar.
Morning Call’s beignets are different because they’re bare; there’s no heaping mound of sugar on top. In less than a week, there’ll be no more Morning Call, at least for a little while. The beignet spot that long had roots in Metairie spread its footprint to a second location at City Park in 2012. In April 2018, the Metairie location closed so owners could focus on City Park, and now, that location will close, too.
After a drawn-out court battle with City Park and bidders such as Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monde closing in, last week Morning Call announced last week on Facebook that it would be closing the doors on Jan. 20.
“I’m sure I’m going to be emotional,” said Michael Guillory, waiter and manager at Morning Call. “It’s been a rough two weeks with all the families coming in, the kids especially. I’ve had a bond with some families that I’ve had over the years.”
Guillory said the bond with the customers is the hardest part of letting go.
“This is a community and a family place,” he said. “Of course, we love the tourists. We welcome them with open arms. I’ve met people from all over the world and its great.”
But, there’s still a glimmer of hope that this won’t be the last hurrah for the cafe.
Hopefully, we’ll relocate and build it up,” said Guillory. “We don’t have anything right now, we’re working on a couple of things. It’s not going to be the last. We’ll come back stronger.
While Morning Call may be closing, Guillory said he has great memories of his time there.
“This is a great location. It has been great with City Park,” he said. “I think everybody wins. Unfortunately for Morning Call, our time is up but we appreciate our time being here. It’s been a pleasure serving all the people.”
Click here for more places to get beignets in the city.
