COMPÈRE LAPIN HOSTS THREE-NIGHT “FIGHTING BUNNIES” HOMECOMING WITH ALL-STAR BARTENDER ALUMNI

Ricky Gomez, Abigail Gullo and four fellow alumni return behind the bar for throwback cocktails, new creations and a spirited reunion 
November 7 – 9, 2026
IMAGES

WHO/WHAT: While Tulane University celebrates Homecoming Weekend, Compère Lapin is hosting a homecoming of its own. From Saturday, November 7 through Monday, November 9, 2026, James Beard Award-winning Chef Nina Compton’s acclaimed restaurant will welcome six former bartenders back behind the bar for Fighting Bunnies Homecoming Weekend; a three-night reunion celebrating the talent, creativity and camaraderie that have helped shape its award-winning cocktail program.

Appearing in pairs throughout the weekend, the alumni bartenders will bring back favorite cocktails they created during their time at Compère Lapin, alongside newer creations from the restaurant's current bar program. Adding to the festivities, the restaurant will embrace the homecoming theme with custom Fighting Bunnies pennants, pom-poms, cups and a spirited, celebratory atmosphere.

The lineup represents an impressive chapter in New Orleans cocktail history. Among the returning alumni are two instrumental figures in Compère Lapin’s cocktail history: Ricky Gomez, who helped launch the restaurant’s original bar program in 2015, and Abigail Gullo, who later took the helm and was named 2016 Heaven Hill Brands/Liquor.com “Bartender of the Year” title. More recent alumni, including Flowers and Williams, have also earned national recognition for their work in the cocktail industry.

The Fighting Bunnies alumni lineup includes:

  • Ricky Gomez
  • Abigail Gullo
  • Scott Hicks
  • Joey Laura
  • J'Nai Williams
  • Erika Flowers

“While Tulane celebrates its homecoming, we figured Bunny U deserves one too,” says Larry Miller, co-owner of Compère Lapin. “These are people who helped make our bar what it is, and it's been great watching their careers grow. Having them back behind the bar, making some of their old cocktails and catching up with everyone is what this is all about. It's a reunion, but more than anything, it's a party.”

WHEN: Saturday, November 7 – Monday, November 9, 2026, during regular evening operating hours. The bar opens at 4:30PM.

WHERE: Compère Lapin at The Old No. 77 Hotel, 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, in New Orleans.

For more information, please visit www.comperelapin.com. For reservations, visit OpenTable.

Media Contacts:                                             

Lauren Busch/Alexa Login
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
nola@brustmancarrinopr.com
305.573.0658 

About Compère Lapin: Situated in the Warehouse Arts District, in the lobby of the funky boutique Old No. 77 Hotel, is award-winning restaurant Compère Lapin, helmed by acclaimed Chef Nina Compton. Named the 2018 James Beard: Best Chef South, and one of Food & Wine magazine’s "Best New Chefs 2017", Compton creates robust dishes that meld the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing and love for French and Italian cuisine, while highlighting the Gulf and Louisiana’s beautiful indigenous ingredients. With a beverage program that reflects Compton’s bold and flavorful cuisine, it’s no wonder Compère Lapin was named one of Playboy’s Best Bars in America. The restaurant is located at 535 Tchoupitoulas. For additional information or reservations, please visit: www.comperelapin.com. Images: Compère Lapin