Legendary Shreveport Deli Named “Most Iconic in the State”

SHREVEPORT, LA

A legendary local favorite sandwich shop/deli just got some national love. The website tastingtable.com just named the "Most Iconic Sandwich Shops" in every state. And for the state of Louisiana, the winner is located right here in Shreveport. 

Fertitta’s Deli at 1124 Fairfield Ave, near downtown Shreveport, has been around since 1927.  That’s coming up on 100 years in business.  In fact, Fertitta’s was the first Italian grocery in Shreveport, and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Fertitta’s is most famous for their muffaletta sandwich that they call the  “Muffy.”  Now why is this so significant?  It’s pretty well accepted that the muffaletta was created in New Orleans, Louisiana. It depends on who you believe as to who actually made the first one.  

Here's the History of the Muffaletta

According to NewOrleansHistorical.org, Sicilian immigrants began arriving in New Orleans in the 1800’s, and many settled in or near the historic French Market district in the Quarter. Many credit Salvatore Lupo from Central Grocery with making the first muffaletta in 1906. 

The muffaletta is pretty much synonymous with New Orleans. In fact, you can still get a muffaletta at the original Central Grocery to this day.  They’ll even ship them nationwide. 

But if you aren't going to be in New Orleans anytime soon, but still have a hankering for a legendary muffaletta, or the "Most Iconic in the State," you can still find The World Famous Muffy Sandwich right here in Shreveport.

So, for a restaurant in Shreveport to beat New Orleans for the muffaletta, and be honored as the “most iconic in the state,” is really pretty incredible.