Eggs In Coffee: Depression-era Louisiana Coffee Giant Gets A Fresh Roast

When Maison Bertrand Food Co. (then known as the Monogram Coffee Co.) was founded in Louisiana, coffee was still 10 cents a pound; that was 1931, amidst the Great Depression. Nearly a century later amid the coronavirus pandemic, the company is soaking up the opportunity to imbue appreciation for old Louisiana flavors within the #stayhome experience.

During the Great Depression, Maison Bertrand was the largest coffee operation in northern Louisiana. It is considered the baby brother of the ‘Big 4’ coffee brands in Louisiana having been officially founded in June of 1931. Maison Bertrand thrived during a time when getting a ‘bang for your buck’ truly meant everything. Even when 10 cents a pound was hard to come by, Maison Bertrand’s coffee was a Louisiana pantry staple. Today, Maison Bertrand’s signature coffee brand, Kafé, might not go for ten cents a pound but it is still available for purchase to enjoy at home especially while we are all in the depths of our #stayhome experiences.

Maison Bertrand Food Co. still uses the same recipes used during the 1930s. Recipes that were passed down verbally or if actually written, converted from heirloom measurements in old stained handwritten notebooks. Not only does Maison Bertrand Food Co. have the longevity of the company’s existence in Louisiana history to give it some boasting power...all of the products are genuinely Louisiana AUTHENTIC. “We have a robust history within our company and within our culture. The Maison Bertrand’s products and flavors are like taking a peak inside your arrière grand-mère’s (great-grandmother's) 120 year old recipe box“, said owner, Bert Dumas.

Bert Dumas, New Orleans Chef and the newest generation of Maison Bertrand owners, has breathed new life into the company. Chef Bert has rebranded Maison Bertrand’s almost century old coffee and is now fresh roasting it in small batches. The formally trained pastry chef has infused culturally traditional treats into the Maison Bertrand product family and has even made it possible for everyone to enjoy authentic New Orleans beignets from the comfort of our own homes in under five minutes. Chef Bert said, “Its all 'eggs in coffee' [same as saying "piece of cake"] as they would have said back then...I wanted to bring back authenticity and convenience back to our Louisiana cuisine & culture. I freshened up our house...company’s coming over!”