The Tequila House

Tequila is not just a shot. It makes an excellent adult cocktail,” says Matthew Emory, the second black owner in Bourbon Street’s history.

He founded The Tequila House, located in New Orleans, La. The establishment is rated five stars and has over 100 tequila brands in its inventory.

Emory was born and raised in Woodbridge, N.J., and currently lives between New Orleans and Houston with his wife and newborn son. He comes from a family of restaurateurs but did not envision himself owning a restaurant. Instead, he chose to become a real estate developer and discovered an underutilized old t-shirt shop.

“The passion came from within that I would deliver something that would be sustainable, convey my love for tequila and expose the natural elements of the hard pine that were evident in the establishment,” says Emory.

The Tequila House fills the deficit in the market by providing delicious food and drinks at a relatively low price.

“We concentrate on delivering a mature adult environment on [the] patio with great music that creates an oasis from the norm with exposed red brick, pine wood and chandeliers,” he says.

Emory is also on the board of directors of the French Quarter Business Association, which represents over 200 business owners.

“It is Important to me to ensure [that] patrons are safe and owners’ revenue remains at a peak level,” says Emory. “As a black owner, I stand up for what is right and [I am] a leader who approach[es] kids when I see them doing wrong on the street.”

The Tequila House on Bourbon St. promotes fun tequila at the highest level within an upper-echelon environment

“I created something that I would want to come to myself and could bring my wife that also offers a clean environment and great service in a historic atmosphere for the nine million people who walk down Bourbon St. annually,” Emory says.

When visiting New Orleans, visit The Tequila House for a superior cocktail-infused experience.