Central Grocery and Deli in the New Orleans French Quarter is an iconic grocery stores, specializing in Italian-American offerings. Its hallmarks are mufullettas and olive salad, which is shipped throughout the country.
Central Grocery dates to 1906, when Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo opened its doors. Lupo operated the famed grocery store and deli until he retired in 1946, at which time his son-in-law Frank Tusa took over. It is currently owned by Lupo’s grandson, Salvador T. Tusa, and two of his cousins.
Lupo invented the New Orleans muffletta sandwich to feed Sicilian truck farmers selling their produce in the French Market, located just across the street from the store.