Owen Brennan

Who was Owen Brennan?

Owen Edward Brennan was a New Orleans, Louisiana, restaurateur and founder of Brennan's Restaurant in the French Quarter. He was born to Owen Patrick Brennan and his wife, Nellie. As the oldest of six children, Brennan felt the need to support his family from a young age. He married his wife Maude with whom he had three sons, Owen Jr., James and Theodore. Determined to do well for himself, Brennan purchased the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street in 1943. He became well known throughout the city as a jolly host to his customers. Brennan however, brought on by a challenge from his friend, decided that he was going to open up his own restaurant in the city. In July 1946, Brennan opened up his restaurant, Owen Brennan's French & Creole Restaurant, which became more commonly known as the Vieux Carre.

Upon opening the restaurant, Owen employed many members of his family for different positions within the business. The restaurant flourished as it gained many regular customers and popularity among the city of New Orleans. One famous dish that was first created at his restaurant was Bananas Foster. In 1954 however, when it became time for Brennan to renew his lease, his landlord demanded 50% of the profit from the restaurant. Unwilling to let that happen, Owen moved his restaurant to Royal street converting an old building into the new and improved Brennan's Restaurant. Unfortunately Owen was not able to see his restaurant open to the public. He died in his sleep on November 4, 1955 from a massive heart attack. The restaurant opened the following spring despite the loss of Owen. It was just as successful as it was in its former location and was taken over by Owen's younger sister Ella.