DiCristina's Italian and Seafood Restaurant, formerly located on North Columbia Street in Covington just north of the Justice Center, has moved into new quarters on Lockwood Street, right across from the Covington Trailhead.
Right next to Tammany Trace
Across from Reagan Statue with the water tower nearby
The new front door and daily specials chalkboard
The restaurant now occupies the old Alexius Brothers Hardware site, which also formerly housed a craft brewery and later, a gift shop.Here are some photographs of the newly-renovated interior, which is much larger than their previous location a few blocks north on Columbia Street.
Click on the images to make them larger.
According to their website, Maria and Frank Pyburn, and Josie and Phillip DiCristina opened DiCristina’s on January 6, 2005. "While only 8 months before Hurricane Katrina ravished New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, DiCristina’s had already established itself as a quality restaurant serving the freshest and finest in gulf seafood and Sicilian dishes." The business celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year.
Above photo from the DiCristina's Facebook Page
Here are several pictures made last week, before the windows were uncovered.
Click on the images to make them larger.
The Building's History
In 1907, Guido Alexius and his sons Alfred, Cintio and John, founded Alexius Brothers and Company. Prior to 1915, the landmark building shown above was known as "The Covington Gymnasium" where dances and boxing matches took place.
In 1915 it was purchased by Alexius for use as a hardware establishment. Later Guido's grandsons operated the hardware store at this location until 1985.
The Alexius family in the old hardware store
Then, in 2008, the Alexius family helped make the Covington Trailhead improvements possible.
DiCristina's new location is now open in the historic Alexius Brothers building. DiCristina's previous location, which is now closed, was on Columbia Street . It is pictured below.
I remember eating many meals at the old location, some of those with the Parish Fair Association officials on exhibit judging days. The establishment has been a favorite of many groups and especially courthouse employees over the years.
Links of Interest: