New Orleans, La. — This year marks a monumental milestone for P&J Oyster Company, as we proudly celebrate 150 years of serving the finest oysters and seafood to our valued customers. From humble beginnings, our second great grandfather Agostino Mazzola arrived in New Orleans in 1841 followed by our second great grandmother Giovannina Lauricella Mazzola from the small island of Ustica, Italy. He opened his first oyster house in 1868 at 429 Tchoupitoulas Street along with Captain Salvador Grego. Grego’s sons, Nunzio and Joe, married Mazzola’s daughters Deodora and Angelica respectively and took over that oyster house. In 1876 Marco and John Popich joined John and Joseph Jurisich and Salvatore Sunseri along with his brothers combining their oyster businesses forming P&J Oyster Company on Decatur and Ursuline Streets. Since that time, we have been dedicated to delivering the finest high quality cultivated Louisiana oysters, wholesaling them to restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and in homes throughout the region that honor our heritage.
A Legacy Built on Passion and Perseverance
Over the years, P&J Oyster Company has become a beloved institution in Louisiana, with a journey defined by the steadfast support of generations of loyal customers. Our unwavering commitment to offering the highest quality oysters has been the driving force behind our continued success. It is thanks to our dedicated fishermen and staff—whose hard work has never faltered—that we have been able to maintain the standards that make our oysters legendary.
Throughout our history, we have faced and overcome numerous challenges, including storms, droughts, wars, oil disasters, and epidemics. Despite these hardships, we have embraced change while remaining true to the traditions that set our oysters apart. This enduring legacy is a testament to our resilience and the cherished place we hold in the hearts of our community.
“Reaching 150 years is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to the trust and love our community has shown us,” said the Sunseri’s at P&J Oyster Company. “We’re honored to be part of so many family traditions and look forward to serving oysters to another generation of New Orleanian oyster lovers.”