Inside Fertitta’s Deli: Shreveport’s Oldest Family Restaurant

September 30, 2025

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In the heart of Shreveport, at the corner of Sam R. Fertitta Drive, sits a two-story red brick building with a sign that reads Home of the Muffy. The Muffy is more than a sandwich. It is a cultural symbol, a culinary invention rooted in family tradition, and a cornerstone of Louisiana food heritage.

Fertitta’s Deli opened in 1927 and has operated in the same location ever since. It is the city’s oldest continuously run, family-owned restaurant. What began as a neighborhood grocery store started by an Italian immigrant has become a beloved landmark and a place where family, history, and food come together in every order.

Historic site marker for Fertitta's in Shreveport, Louisiana, describing it as the city's oldest family-owned restaurant, built in 1927 and continuously operated by the Fertitta family. — Historic marker for Fertitta’s, Shreveport’s oldest family restaurant.

A Sandwich with Soul: The Birth of the ‘Muffy’

When I stepped inside Fertitta’s, the scent of warm bread and spiced olive salad filled the air. Behind the counter, Agatha Fertitta McCall was assembling the deli’s signature sandwich with practiced care and pride. She told me about her grandfather who built the building in 1927, and her father Sam, who transformed it into a delicatessen after taking over in 1949.

Karen LeBlanc stands inside Fertitta's Deli in Shreveport with Reverend Patrick Fertitta and Agatha Fertitta McCall, surrounded by vintage signage and red-checkered tables. — *Karen LeBlanc with Reverend Patrick Fertitta and Agatha Fertitta McCall inside Fertitta’s Deli.*

The Muffy, Fertitta’s signature sandwich, was created by chance. In the 1960s, Sam began selling muffuletta bread imported from New Orleans. One day, he made a sandwich using the bread for a visiting customer from United Gas Company.

Fertitta's signature Muffy sandwich, cut in half to show layers of ham, salami, mozzarella, and chopped olive salad on muffuletta bread. — *The Muffy sandwich, Fertitta’s signature sandwich*

‘He said, “Mr. Fertitta, I’ve made this sandwich kind of like a New Orleans muffuletta, but not exactly. You should try it.” So Daddy did, and the man told him it was the best sandwich he had ever eaten in his life,’
— Agatha Fertitta McCall

Framed newspaper clipping from July 1999 honoring Sam R. Fertitta with his own street in Shreveport, featuring a photo of Fertitta's Deli and Agatha Fertitta McCall. — *1999 newspaper clipping celebrating Sam R. Fertitta Drive, named for the deli’s founder.*

Sam originally had no intention of entering the sandwich business. He simply wanted to sell the bread. However, word spread quickly about the delicious creation, and customers began pouring in. The Muffy became a hit. The name itself was a practical solution. The full word ‘muffuletta’ was too expensive to spell out in neon signage, so it was shortened to Muffy.

Reverend Patrick Fertitta with his children and Agatha Fertitta McCall inside Fertitta's Deli, standing in front of a wall covered with family photos and memorabilia. — *Reverend Patrick Fertitta with his children and Agatha Fertitta McCall inside the deli.*

Unlike the traditional muffuletta from Central Grocery in New Orleans, Fertitta’s version features a finely chopped olive salad that includes both green and black olives, along with unique spices passed down from Agatha’s grandmother.

Jars of Papa Fertitta's Original Olive Mix stacked inside a refrigerator, the signature ingredient used in Fertitta's Muffy sandwich. — *Papa Fertitta’s Original Olive Mix, the family recipe at the heart of the Muffy.*

‘It’s like apples and oranges. The New Orleans version uses big chunks of green olives and a thick olive oil base. Ours is all chopped up and we add black olives too. But I can’t give away the full recipe because that is a family secret,’
— Agatha Fertitta McCall

Close-up of the Muffy sandwich at Fertitta's Deli, showing layers of ham, salami, mozzarella cheese, and chopped olive salad on cornmeal-dusted bread. — *The Muffy sandwich, served warm with ham, salami, mozzarella, and the family olive mix.*

The sandwich includes layers of ham, salami, and mozzarella cheese, and it is heated in the oven. Instead of a sesame seed topping, the bread is dusted with cornmeal. This variation not only gives it a distinctive texture but also makes it a better option for customers with dietary restrictions.

Framed United States Patent and Trademark Office certificate registering the Muffy sandwich trademark, displayed inside Fertitta's Deli in Shreveport. — *U.S. Patent and Trademark certificate registering the Muffy name in 1962.*

‘A lot of people prefer the corn dusting. If they have health issues and cannot eat seeds, this lets them enjoy the sandwich without worry,’
— Agatha Fertitta McCall

Generations of Flavor and Family

Framed black-and-white photo of the Fertitta family, showing multiple generations gathered together, displayed inside Fertitta's Deli in Shreveport. — *The Fertitta family, whose legacy has guided the deli for generations.*

Fertitta’s is more than a restaurant. It is a multi-generational story of perseverance and pride. Agatha took over the business in 1980 when her father became ill. She still lives upstairs, in the same apartment where she grew up and raised her family. Her children, Reverend Patrick Fertitta and Dr. Nina Fertitta Mitchell, now help manage the deli, continuing the tradition.

Framed black-and-white photo of the Fertitta children, displayed on the wall inside Fertitta's Deli, representing the next generation of the family legacy. — *The Fertitta children, part of the family’s multi-generational legacy.*

‘There is a heavy weight to running a family business that has lasted this long. Carrying that tradition is important to me,’
— Reverend Patrick Fertitta

Framed vintage wedding portrait of a bride and groom, displayed on the wall inside Fertitta's Deli as part of the family's multi-generational history. — *Vintage wedding portrait from the Fertitta family’s history.*

‘It is also a joy because you know that so many generations have been touched by this business,’
— Reverend Patrick Fertitta

Framed vintage black-and-white photo of early Fertitta family members with a horse and carriage, displayed on the wall inside Fertitta's Deli. — *Early Fertitta family photo on display inside the deli.*

Walking through the deli feels like stepping into a time capsule. Much of the original signage and decor is still intact. Walls are filled with family photographs and newspaper clippings, telling the story of Fertitta’s through the years. There is even room for the fourth generation, including the grandchildren.

Framed vintage portrait of a man and woman from the Fertitta family, dressed formally and displayed on the wall inside Fertitta's Deli. — *Vintage portrait of Fertitta family members displayed inside the deli.*

Regular customers are part of this story too. They have been coming back year after year, some for decades.

‘I’ve been coming here over 65 years. I came as a small child with my dad when it was just a grocery store. It’s a landmark in the community,’
— Sonia Cassidy, customer

Framed 1928 Ross Chemical Works receipt showing payment for construction of the Fertitta's Deli building at the corner of Howell and Christian Street in Shreveport. — *1928 receipt documenting the construction of the Deli building.*

‘There is a feeling of family. I do not know if it is the Italian side or what, but when Italians get together, it always feels like family. I am Italian on both sides,’
— McConnell, customer

Family and staff members inside Fertitta's Delicatessen in Shreveport, standing together in front of the deli counter with the vintage Fertitta's sign overhead. — *Fertitta’s Delicatessen family photo inside the historic Shreveport deli.*

Inside Fertitta’s, you are not just a patron. You are part of a living tradition.

Framed vintage photo of two men standing beside a Fertitta's Delicatessen catering truck, displayed on a red-checkered table inside the deli. — *Vintage photo of a Fertitta’s Delicatessen catering truck.*

‘There are days when I get tired. But when people start coming in, especially my regulars who have been coming once a week for years, it makes me happy and proud. It’s like a big family,’
— Agatha Fertitta McCall

Framed vintage photo of Sam Fertitta behind the counter at Fertitta's Deli, recognized as the founder of the deli and creator of its signature Muffy sandwich legacy — *Sam Fertitta, founder of Fertitta’s Deli.*

New Recipes and New Roles

While Fertitta’s stays rooted in tradition, it also embraces change. Reverend Patrick Fertitta, alongside his ministry, has introduced a modern culinary twist to the menu.

Framed portrait of Reverend Patrick Fertitta, who created the Godfather Sandwich featuring his trademarked alligator Italian sausage, known as the Boss of the Bayou. — *Reverend Patrick Fertitta, creator of the Godfather Sandwich with alligator Italian sausage.*

His creation, the Godfather Sandwich, features trademarked alligator Italian sausage, which brings a bold flavor to the deli’s offerings.

Hands holding the Godfather Sandwich at Fertitta's Deli in Shreveport, featuring Reverend Patrick Fertitta's trademarked alligator Italian sausage known as the Boss of the Bayou. — *The Godfather Sandwich, made with trademarked alligator Italian sausage.*

‘The name Godfather is trademarked in Louisiana for food products. I also have the trademark on the tagline for the sausage, which is called the Boss of the Bayou,’
— Reverend Patrick Fertitta

Reverend Patrick Fertitta preparing the Godfather Sandwich with trademarked alligator Italian sausage while being filmed inside Fertitta's Deli kitchen. — *Reverend Patrick Fertitta preparing the Godfather Sandwich in the deli kitchen.*

This newer addition bridges classic family recipes with regional ingredients and modern culinary flair, proving that legacy and innovation can go hand in hand.

A Place That Tells Its Own Story

Framed certificate recognizing Crystal Grocery, later known as Fertitta's, as part of the National Register of Historic Places under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. — *Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its cultural significance.*

Today, Fertitta’s Deli is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, not just for its age or architecture but for its role in preserving local culture. With each visit, guests walk through nearly 100 years of history.

Bronze plaque mounted on a red brick wall stating that the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1927. — *Plaque marking the site’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.*

The deli is filled with echoes of the past. The original counter, signage, and photos create a museum-like experience, yet the atmosphere is far from frozen in time. It is vibrant and lived-in, filled with people sharing meals and memories.

Why You Need To Visit Fertitta’s Deli in Shreveport

hoto of the dedication ceremony for Sam R. Fertitta Drive in Shreveport, with Agatha Fertitta McCall and community leaders present. — *Photo of the dedication ceremony for Sam R. Fertitta Drive.*

Fertitta’s is more than a place to eat, it is a landmark of family and tradition. For almost one hundred years it has served the community while passing its legacy from one generation to the next.

Street signs for Sam R. Fertitta Drive and Fairfield Avenue in Shreveport on a sunny day, marking the legacy of the Fertitta family. — *Present-day view of Sam R. Fertitta Drive.*

Each Muffy carries the story of resilience and heritage, created with the same family olive mix that first set it apart. The walls of photographs and clippings tell the history, and the regulars who return week after week keep that history alive.

Exterior view of Fertitta's Deli in Shreveport, a two-story red brick building with green awnings and signs reading Home of the Muffy and Pronto Pizzas. — *Exterior view of the historic deli building in Shreveport.*

In an age of fast food, Fertitta’s offers something lasting. It is where a sandwich is still made by hand, where the past and present meet, and where every visitor is welcomed like family.

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