New Orleans, LA — Langenstein’s, which describes itself as the oldest family-owned grocery company in New Orleans, has a new owner.
Local independent grocer Robért Fresh Market has agreed to acquire the three-store Langenstein’s chain and will rebrand the locations under the Robért Fresh Market banner, the companies announced.
“This was not an easy decision for our family,” said Ellis Lanaux, President and CEO of Langenstein’s, founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1922. “We are proud of the legacy Langenstein’s has built and grateful to the generations of customers who have welcomed us into their homes.”
Lanaux added that he believes Robért Fresh Market shares the company’s values and “respects New Orleans traditions.”
Langenstein’s operates stores in Uptown, Old Metairie, and River Ridge, and is well known for its specialty food assortments, prepared foods, and strong sales volumes.
Michael Langenstein and his two sons, George and Richard, opened the first store with a focus on fresh meats and seafood. In the 1970s, the store began offering gourmet prepared foods based on family recipes. The company expanded to a second location in Metairie in 1994 and opened a third in River Ridge in 2015.
Founded in 1994, Robért Fresh Market currently operates five supermarkets in the area, along with a specialty marine food and supply store. The chain is also recognized for its specialty products, fresh meat and produce departments, and handcrafted prepared foods.
Robért Fresh Market sustained major damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but the Robért family rebuilt their stores in the following years after a lengthy battle with their insurance provider.
All Langenstein’s employees will be offered the opportunity to keep their jobs under the new ownership, the companies said.
“Local ownership matters,” Lanaux emphasized. “It allows decisions to be made with the community in mind. That has always been Langenstein’s strength, and we know Robért Fresh Market shares that belief.”
New Orleans has long maintained a vibrant network of independent grocers, but Walmart dominates the local grocery market with a 38.2% share (Sam’s Club accounts for another 10.9%), according to Axios data. Regional operator Rouses Markets ranks second with 12.1%, followed by Costco (7.8%), Winn-Dixie (6.6%), and Whole Foods (4.4%).
Aldi, with 1% or less of the market, is seeking to grow in the region through the acquisition of multiple Winn-Dixie locations in Louisiana. Axios listed two other local independents — Dorignac’s and Laborie’s Budget Saver — with 1.5% and 1.4% market share, respectively. Robért Fresh Market and Langenstein’s each held 1% or less, alongside Trader Joe’s, Breaux Mart, The Fresh Market, and Zuppardo’s.
