In the Spotlight
From national television to podcasts and press — the media coverage that has made Ye Olde College Inn a household name across America.
“One of my favorites is Ye Olde College Inn. It has a Cheers feel to it. I’ve seen Harry Connick Sr. there a number of times.”
— Drew Brees · New Orleans Saints & NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
On Camera
Live! with Regis & Kelly · YouTube
Ye Olde College Inn earns a coveted segment on America’s most-watched morning talk show, bringing the flavors and story of this beloved New Orleans landmark to a national television audience of millions.
Watch on YouTubeAmerica’s Best Bites with Ted Brunson · YouTube
Food journalist and TV host Ted Brunson visits Ye Olde College Inn for his nationally syndicated program, spotlighting Chef Johnny Blancher’s culinary philosophy and the restaurant’s deep roots in New Orleans culinary tradition.
Watch on YouTubeTMZ Sports · May 2016
In this viral street interview, Saints quarterback Drew Brees confidently names Ye Olde College Inn as the best place to eat in all of New Orleans, singling out the chicken fried steak po-boy by name. The clip ignited a wave of national media coverage overnight.
Watch on TMZNOLA.com / Times-Picayune · “The Dish”
Executive Chef Johnny Blancher demonstrates the preparation of the restaurant’s signature Oysters Bleu in NOLA.com’s dedicated cooking video series.
Watch VideoWWL-TV · Bill Capo Feature
WWL-TV’s Bill Capo visits the College Inn to spotlight the restaurant’s ongoing tradition of honoring New Orleans’ rich musical and cultural heritage.
Watch SegmentWWL-TV · Feature
WWL-TV celebrates the College Inn’s tradition of honoring the beloved 1960s bands that helped shape the unique sound of New Orleans music.
Watch SegmentWWL-TV · Airport Dining
The College Inn expands into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport just in time for the Super Bowl, bringing its iconic flavors to travelers worldwide.
Watch & ReadYahoo Travel · December 2014
Brees builds his ideal NOLA evening around a 6 p.m. dinner at Ye Olde College Inn — the off-menu duck appetizer and his go-to redfish with crabmeat on top are his personal favorites.
Watch & ReadWWL-TV · Napoleon’s Food Reviews
WWL-TV’s “Napoleon” food critic calls the College Inn a must-visit — a colorful, bustling, family-friendly New Orleans assessment.
Read ReviewConversations
Catholic Foodie Podcast
A deeply personal interview about the spiritual foundations of the business, their devotion to Our Lady, the culinary mission, and what makes the College Inn a true New Orleans institution.
Listen to EpisodeMy New Orleans Magazine
Johnny Blancher discusses the College Inn’s traditions, the deep connection between fresh ingredients and authentic New Orleans cooking, and what keeps guests coming back generation after generation.
Listen to EpisodeRazor Branding™ Podcast · Ep. 1.14
Johnny Blancher discusses entrepreneurship, legacy brand-building across Rock’n’Bowl and Ye Olde College Inn, and what it truly means to steward a New Orleans institution.
Listen to EpisodeIn Print & Online
Offbeat Magazine · May 2016
The definitive write-up following Brees’ viral TMZ moment, naming Ye Olde College Inn his favorite spot in New Orleans.
Read ArticleNOLA.com / Times-Picayune · 2016
The Times-Picayune covers Brees’ endorsement in depth, noting the immediate and significant surge in reservations that followed.
Read ArticleThe Advocate · May 2016
Baton Rouge’s leading newspaper covers Brees championing the College Inn, giving the restaurant an unexpected boost heard across all of Louisiana.
Read ArticleWBRZ News · Baton Rouge
WBRZ broadcasts Brees’ recommendation to audiences across South Louisiana, extending the College Inn’s reach to the entire Gulf Coast region.
Read ArticleThe Daily Caller · May 2016
National outlet The Daily Caller carries the Brees story to a national audience, cementing Ye Olde College Inn’s place on the national culinary map.
Read ArticleMy New Orleans Magazine
A long-form feature on the College Inn’s post-Katrina rebirth — how the Blanchers salvaged lumber from the original building and emerged stronger than ever.
Read ArticleClarion Herald
The Blancher family creates the “Wall of Legends” — 84 plaques honoring New Orleans’ greatest prep athletes, coaches, and officials.
Read ArticleNOLA.com · 2011
Tracing the origins of the College Inn’s most iconic appetizer from Blancher’s inspiration via the legendary Anthony Uglesich.
Read ArticleLouisiana Travel / Explore Louisiana
Louisiana’s official tourism bureau features the College Inn as a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the state’s culinary heritage.
Read FeatureNOLA.com · September 2014
At the Society of Environmental Journalists’ national conference, Chef Blancher hosted reporters cooking nutria, termites, and wild boar — covered by national press.
Read CoverageThe Legacy
1933
Ye Olde College Inn opens on S. Carrollton Avenue. Founded by the Rufin brothers — Emile, Denis Jr., and Albert — who transformed a Texas Pig Stand lease into a New Orleans institution.
2003
The Blancher family — John Blancher, Johnny Blancher, Jimmy Hankins, and Chad Penedo — acquire the College Inn with a mission to breathe new life into a beloved landmark.
2006
Fewer than 90 days after Hurricane Katrina, Johnny Blancher reopens the College Inn on February 7, 2006 in the adjacent 1929 brick building — salvaging lumber from the original structure.
2009
The College Inn Farm launches across the street — at its peak, the largest restaurant farm in Louisiana. National television appearances and private dinners in Napa Valley follow.
2012
The N.O. Prep Sports Hall of Fame “Wall of Legends” opens with 84 inaugural plaques honoring New Orleans’ greatest prep athletes, coaches, and officials.
2016
Drew Brees tells TMZ that Ye Olde College Inn is his favorite restaurant in New Orleans. The clip goes viral, triggering national coverage.
Today
Under Chef/Owner Johnny Blancher, Ye Olde College Inn continues to honor its 90+ year heritage while drawing national media, celebrity fans, and loyal New Orleanians night after night.
“Award-winning dishes, appearances on local and national television, even private dinners in Napa Valley have been a complement to the long history as a quintessential New Orleans restaurant & bar.”
— Ye Olde College Inn · Our History
More Coverage
Fodor’s Travel
Fodor’s includes the College Inn in its essential New Orleans dining guide, spotlighting the veal cutlet on the menu since 1933 and the restaurant’s enduring traditions.
Read ReviewRock’n’Bowl · Official History
The official history of the Blancher family’s New Orleans enterprise — told in John Blancher’s own words — detailing how faith, community, and hard work built two beloved institutions.
Read Full StoryGoogle · Diner Reviews
Visitors from across the country — many coming specifically on Brees’ recommendation — have left glowing reviews praising the food and atmosphere.
Read Reviews