Nonno's Cajun Cuisine & Pastries has quietly served its last plate in the 7th Ward, but owner-chef Shermond Esteen is already looking ahead to a fresh start in Metairie. The restaurant is set to relaunch at the Pointe at Lafreniere Park, a move Esteen has called "a blessing," and he says he expects to be cooking at the park before Easter. Regulars who came out for weekend brunch and homestyle Cajun comfort food are now watching for the park-side sequel.
As reported by NOLA.com, Esteen confirmed that the 7th Ward location has shut down and that Nonno's was tapped to run one of the kitchens at the Pointe food pavilion in Lafreniere Park. The NOLA.com report notes that Esteen is aiming to have the new spot serving guests ahead of Easter.
The Pointe at Lafreniere Will House Four Kitchens
Jefferson Parish describes the Pointe at Lafreniere as an open-air food hall set on a point of the park lagoon, with four separate restaurant kitchens, shared seating and modern amenities. Local coverage of the vendor lineup lists Coastal BBQ, Sabor Del Parque, Louisiana Purchase Kitchen Express and Nonno's among the pavilion tenants, according to WhatNow.
Chef's Story and Second-Chance Work
Shermond Esteen's path from prison kitchens to restaurant ownership is central to Nonno's story. A profile by VeryLocal details his time in correctional culinary programs and his experience running a facility kitchen that fed hundreds of inmates. The Louisiana Department of Corrections "Return for Good" series highlights his return-to-work efforts after incarceration. Esteen has since appeared on cooking shows, including an episode of Emeril Cooks that put his brunch menu in the spotlight.
Menu Plans and Morning Service
According to NOLA.com, Nonno's plans a streamlined menu at the pavilion, with a pared-down lunch and smaller dinner selection that will include jambalaya, fried chicken and fried catfish. Esteen also intends to add beignets after the opening. The article notes that Nonno's will be the only vendor at The Pointe offering breakfast, something Esteen said he wanted in place for early park visitors.
Hiring people returning from incarceration remains a core part of Esteen's mission. He has described employing and training formerly incarcerated cooks and bakers as a way to pay forward his own second chance, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections "Return for Good" series notes that Nonno's has served as a training ground for workers re-entering the workforce.
The Pointe's vendor rollout began last year, and tenant openings are staggered so exact dates vary. Parish pages and individual vendor sites carry the latest hours. Jefferson Parish maintains pavilion information, and Nonno's is targeting a pre‑Easter soft opening, with formal hours to be announced on the restaurant and park pages.
