Brothers Sal, Ralph and Joe Balestra in produce department at store. The brothers have been managing the store non -stop for recent years until the sale of the family’s business last week. Photo by Brandi Rollo
Balestra’s first opened in Marrero, then moved to Belle Chasse in 1959. Their first building was what is now Roubion’s Tire Center at the corner of Barriere Road and Highway 23.
Balestra’s underwent a large remodel and expansion in 2016. The contractor for the remodel was Brian Balestra, brother of Joe, Ralph and Sal.
A special closing was held last week for the Balestra brothers to share with family and friends. Photo by Daniel Morrill
“Thanks for the Memories”- Sal, Ralph and Joe Balestra Photo by Brandi Rollo
On Wednesday, July 15, the Belle Chasse grocery store Balestra’s—a community staple since the 1960s—had its last closing shift. From now on, the grocery store will be a Breaux Mart, a local chain which bought the store from the Balestra family, officially “ending an era” (as district 2 council member Beau Black worded it in a Facebook post) in Plaquemines Parish.
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