Melvin Rodrigue | Brian Landry | David Gooch | Justin Frey

Melvin Rodrigue - General Manager/Chief Operating Officer

As General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Galatoire’s Restaurant, Melvin Rodrigue is ultimately responsible for every aspect of running the century-old institution.

In 1997, the Galatoire family combed the restaurant industry as they sought a leader who would take their beloved eatery into the next millennium. Despite an exhaustive nation-wide search, they ultimately found their man just a few blocks away, working as food and beverage manager of New Orleans ’ Westin Canal Place Hotel (1995-1997). Despite his young age, Rodrigue, then 24, was able to draw on an already extensive experience within the industry. In addition to his position with the Westin Hotel, he had served as General Manger of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Seattle (1993-1995) and as a Manager of the Brennan family’s Palace Café (1991-1993).

Rodrigue studied Business Administration at the University of New Orleans . Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors and is president of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s G.N.O. Chapter. In addition, he serves on the Boards of Directors for the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s State Board and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. He also serves as a commissioner of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and represents Galatoire’s as an active member of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America . Rodrigue has been personally honored by Gambit - New Orleans Weekly as outstanding achiever in the “40 under 40” business category. New Orleans CityBusiness recognized Rodrigue as a member of the city’s “Power Generation”.