In the heart of New Orleans’ French Market, where the aroma of spices and fresh produce filled the air, a woman named Rose Nicaud made history. As the city’s first known coffee vendor, Rose—a formerly enslaved woman—recognized a need and turned it into an opportunity. She crafted a portable coffee cart and pushed it through the bustling market on Sundays, selling steaming cups of café noir and café au lait to vendors, workers, and shoppers. Her coffee quickly became a staple, earning praise from customers who described it as “a benediction that follows after prayer.”
Like many enslaved entrepreneurs of her time, Rose likely had to surrender most of her earnings to her enslaver. However, with determination and careful saving, she managed to set aside enough money to purchase her own freedom—a remarkable feat in an era where autonomy for Black women was rare.
As her business grew, so did her vision. What began as a simple cart evolved into a permanent coffee stand within the French Market. No longer did customers have to stand while enjoying her brew—Rose provided them with seating, creating one of the earliest café-style experiences in the city. Inspired by her success, other free women of color followed suit, selling coffee from small portable stands, shaping what would become a rich cultural tradition.
By the 19th and early 20th centuries, these entrepreneurial women—known as Les Vendeuses—had become a defining presence in New Orleans. Selling not just coffee but pralines, calas (sweet rice fritters), and other delicacies, they carved out a space for themselves in an economy that was not designed for them. Their resilience and innovation sustained families, built legacies, and contributed to the vibrant food culture that New Orleans is famous for today.
Café Rose Nicaud stands as a tribute to this pioneering woman, whose resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire generations. During Women’s History Month, we honor Rose Nicaud and the countless other Black women who defied the odds, creating opportunities not only for themselves but for those who followed.
Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of New Orleans—one cup of coffee at a time.
Dat NOLA Chic 