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Port Arthur Today
By the People, for the People
Port Arthur Businesses Hope Mardi Gras Revival Boosts Local Economy
Downtown businesses eagerly await city council decision on bringing back the festival that once drew crowds and increased foot traffic.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:05am
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Downtown Port Arthur businesses are eagerly awaiting a city council decision on reviving the Mardi Gras festival, which they say previously boosted the local economy and foot traffic. Some longtime business owners, like the owner of Jaw's BBQ, say they saw a noticeable surge in customers during the festival, while newer businesses like Darlean's Market and Café hope its return could help introduce them to a wider audience. The festival was held in Port Arthur for nearly three decades before a combination of hurricane impacts and economic challenges led to its departure, leaving the downtown area quieter with fewer visitors.
Why it matters
The potential return of Mardi Gras to Port Arthur is generating excitement among downtown business owners who say the festival once brought a much-needed boost to the local economy. With the event's absence, some businesses have struggled to regain the same level of activity and foot traffic they once experienced.
The details
For years, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas transformed downtown Port Arthur into a hub of music, food and celebration, drawing crowds and increasing foot traffic for nearby businesses. Since the event left, some owners say they have struggled to regain that same level of activity. Punarbassi Sandy, owner of Jaw's BBQ, said the festival used to bring a noticeable surge in customers to her restaurant, which has operated in Port Arthur for 45 years. Newer businesses, like Darlean's Market and Café, say the return of the festival could help introduce them to a wider audience.
- Mardi Gras Southeast Texas was held in Port Arthur for nearly three decades before a combination of hurricane impacts and economic challenges led to its departure.
- City leaders are now considering a proposal to revive Mardi Gras in Port Arthur, though a final decision has not yet been made. The matter is expected to be discussed at a city council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
The players
Punarbassi Sandy
Owner of Jaw's BBQ, a restaurant that has operated in Port Arthur for 45 years.
Arthur Thomas
Owner of Darlean's Market and Café, a newer business in Port Arthur.
What they’re saying
“I gained a lot more customers. But after they took Mardi Gras from here, we don't get that support anymore.”
— Punarbassi Sandy, Owner, Jaw's BBQ
“If it came back to Port Arthur for 2027, we have an opportunity to have other folks sample our food.”
— Arthur Thomas, Owner, Darlean's Market and Café
What’s next
The matter of reviving Mardi Gras in Port Arthur is expected to be discussed at a city council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
The takeaway
The potential return of Mardi Gras to Port Arthur could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and help businesses, both long-standing and new, regain the foot traffic and customer support they once experienced during the festival's heyday.
