HOUSTON — The world continues to mourn the 14 lives lost in Wednesday’s devastating Bourbon Street terror attack.
Several Houstonians have close ties to New Orleans. Maybe nowhere is it more evident than in the restaurant business.
Several business owners are working around the clock to connect with those who need financial assistance because for some this fight is personal.
Cooking oysters is one of Jackquel Johnson and Royal Bellock’s favorite places to be.
“I really been cooking, man, my whole life, man,” Bellock said.
The co-owners of Oyster King Tiger 2 Dozen make sure every recipe is a love letter to family.
The northwest Houston staple is serving up a taste of the couple’s hometown, New Orleans. The oysters they’re making this week hold a little more meaning to them.
Through Sunday a percentage of oyster sales will benefit the victims of the Bourbon Street tragedy.
“Something to be able to give back, you know, to the city, you know, we, we’ve been in New Orleans our whole life, we love New Orleans,” Johnson said.
This is one of several restaurants stepping up to help the New Orleans community.
“When we had seen that atrocious terrorist activity that happened in New Orleans they just stepped up to the plate,” community activist Dr. Candice Matthews said.
Dr. Matthews has worked with several local restaurants on a number of fundraisers. This one is personal.
“It’s very tied, Texas and Louisiana,” Dr. Mathews said.
At Quotes on the north side, owner Kevin McCraw said he sees those ties daily, which is why he will be matching donations collected at his restaurant this week.
“We get a lot of people here that are from New Orleans. A lot of our customers are from New Orleans. A lot of our guests drive here from New Orleans,” McCraw said.
McCraw’s guests have turned into family and he will do anything for them, especially in the face of tragedy.
“This terrorist individual, he’s not Houston. He doesn’t represent Houston. We represent Houston. Let’s show them what Houston is about,” McCraw said.
There is a way for you to help from home.
If you’d like to donate online to Oyster King Tiger 2 Dozen’s collection for New Orleans victims they have details on their Instagram, @tiger2dozen.
If you’d like to donate online to Quotes’ collection for New Orleans victims they have details on their Instagram, @quoteswillowbrook.