Anthony Rouse, 1929-2009

Last week, the Times-Picayune informed us that Anthony Rouse died. Who was Anthony Rouse? He was the founder of the Thibodeaux-based Rouse's chain of grocery stores. Thibodeaux is a few hours away from New Orleans, but Rouse is much beloved here because he moved Rouse's into New Orleans just after Katrina, when a lot of companies were leaving. Shortly after we arrived, Rouse's bought up all the Sav-A-Centers in New Orleans, including the one we shopped at sometimes. A few months later, they opened a new store on Carrollton, which is much more convienient to us. We actually have a really solid grocery store now. It's disappointing how far it is, but it's really not too bad. And the competition seems to have caused Winn-Dixie (also semi-local) to improve itself a lot.

Today, the Times-Picayune informs us that this investment has payed off tremendously for Rouse's. This is wonderful to hear.