Sodexo Inks 15-Year Deal to Operate Louisiana Music Museum

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Sodexo Live! has signed a 15-year hospitality agreement to design, develop, and operate the food and beverage offerings at the upcoming Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience museum in New Orleans. Sodexo is also providing upfront planning funds to help advance the long-discussed $165 million project, which aims to celebrate Louisiana's rich musical legacy across genres like jazz, blues, gospel, Cajun, and more.

Why it matters

The Sodexo partnership and funding represents a major boost for the museum project, which has struggled to gain momentum in recent years. The museum is expected to become a major cultural anchor for New Orleans, driving tourism and economic activity in the city's music and hospitality sectors.

The details

Under the 15-year deal, Sodexo Live! will handle all food, beverage, and catering operations at the 120,000-square-foot museum, with a focus on highlighting local Louisiana flavors and providing workforce training opportunities. Sodexo has agreed to advance an undisclosed amount of planning and design funds to the nonprofit behind the museum, which has already secured $16.5 million in pledges and $28.5 million in state funding. The total project cost is estimated at $165 million, with the remainder expected to come from private fundraising and bond financing.

• Sodexo Live! has signed a 15-year hospitality agreement for the Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience.
• Sodexo has agreed to advance planning and design funds to the nonprofit behind the museum project.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Organizers are currently negotiating a lease for the museum's potential home at a parking lot on the edge of the French Quarter, and are working to secure additional private funding and bond financing to reach the $165 million target for the project.