Restaurant August Celebrates their 25th Anniversary
Restaurant August, founded by August "Duke" Robin in 2001, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.
The vision for the restaurant was brought to life by Chef John Besh, who wanted to incorporate Creole culture into the restaurant's palette. A quarter of a century later, Executive Chef Corey Thomas is still bringing this vision to life. "For 25 years, August has been proud to carry forward the rich, evolving story of Louisiana's Creole cuisine," Thomas said in a press release.
They are excited to share this milestone through a series of cultivated events this year.
Anniversary Celebrations
The BRG Hospitality flagship is hosting a yearlong series of culinary activities to honor Restaurant August's anniversary. The events will be on the 25th of every month. They started in January with a surprise champagne sabrage for guests.
Some upcoming events will include a curated tasting event, commemorative Mignot Faget drinkware, limited-time menus that pay tribute to the restaurant's origins, and more!
Culinary Traditions
On February 25, Restaurant August will serve their black pepper-seared oysters with country ham and truffled spoon bread. This dish is integral to their story as a New Orleanian institution. In the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina, BRG Hospitality co-founders and co-owners Octavio Mantilla and Chef John Besh served red beans and rice to anyone in need. Their kindness was not forgotten, and neither were their oysters, which were some of the first sourced and served in the city after the disaster.
Recognition for Excellence
Restaurant August has received national and international accolades for their culinary genius, including the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a World of Fine Wine award, and was part of the Michelin 2025 American South Guide. Chef John Besh and co- owner Mantilla were also named the 2026 Restaurateurs of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association. Finally, they were recognized by USA Today 10Best as "a life-changing dining experience" and named by Condé Nast Traveler as a "flagship New Orleans restaurant."
A Reflection and a Vision
"From the menu to the dining room, each detail honors the traditions of the place we call home and the people who built them. As we enter our next chapter, our team is eager to keep growing, keep pushing boundaries and keep celebrating the culture and flavors that make South Louisiana unlike anywhere else and that have defined August for 25 years." Chef Thomas reflected on Restaurant August's legacy in a press release.
Hours
Restaurant August is open for dinner every day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and for lunch on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant is in downtown New Orleans on 301 Tchoupitoulas St. in a stunning restored 19th-century building. For more information on their 25th anniversary events, visit restaurantaugust.com.
