September 2025
Here Comes a Hot New Dish
What's New In Real Estate & Life In New Orleans

Every election feels important, but this one seems like the Holy Trinity of them all—especially when it comes to cooking up a better future. New Orleans stands at a crossroads, and we believe the city deserves a bold leader, a fresh vision, and the relentless work ethic to carry it forward. That conviction is what inspired us at b+b to create this cheat sheet: a recipe for what makes the perfect New Orleans mayor. No fancy jargon, just a straightforward culinary guide to getting it right.
We’re not saying it’s a high bar (in fact, the bar is on the floor)... but if you’re gonna lead this city, you better know your way around a kitchen fire.
Recipe for a Better New Orleans Mayor
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 fresh vision for infrastructure
- 2 cups real accountability, hold the indictments
- 1 heaping scoop of business-friendly policy (skip the red tape roux)
- An ounce of public safety
- A pinch of memory (so we don't repeat the same dumb mistakes)
- Optional seasoning: lemony-fresh trash pickup
DIRECTIONS:
- Bring the city’s expectations to a satisfactory simmer over low heat.
- Chop the department of safety and permits into a fine mince and infuse into an oil of your choosing.
- Combine infrastructure, copious housing, and public safety in one pot. Stir until it looks like a plan.
- Sprinkle in a half cup of pragmatic business policy.
- Whip leadership into stiff peaks, ensuring smooth consistency.
- Fold in accountability. If it curdles, start from scratch.
- Garnish with integrity.
SERVING SUGGESTION:
Serve hot with a side of optimism. And a strong drink.
And if the mayoral race has been a lot to digest, refresh yourself with the listings below.
Featured Properties

5757 Magazine Street offers ±1,690 SF of prime retail space for lease November 1, 2025, at the corner of Magazine and Nashville. The space features high ceilings, modern finishes, ample storage, and rare off-street parking. Surrounded by Saba, Whole Foods, and other top retailers, it’s a polished, move-in-ready opportunity in Uptown’s premier retail corridor.
See additional information here.
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A rare opportunity to purchase a confidential bar and restaurant in the University area, just steps from Tulane and Loyola. The offering includes the real estate, established business, FF&E, and goodwill—delivering a true turnkey hospitality asset. With 4,000+ SF of space featuring a full kitchen, large bar, outdoor seating, and private event areas, this property is primed for continued success in one of New Orleans’ most sought-after corridors.
Reach out to aaron@benburka.com and ben@benburka.com for additional details.

1226 Magazine Street offers a ±640 SF ground-floor unit just two blocks from the Pontchartrain Expressway. With a one-room layout, built-out restroom, large windows, and rare HU-MU zoning, the space is ideal for storage, studio, shop, or maker use. Positioned near downtown in a vibrant corridor, it combines accessibility, visibility, and endless potential for retail, office, or workshop space.
Find out more here.
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Private Offices at The Rigs start at $2,800/month, offering customizable space for 1–10 people with stunning river views. Located in Building 2, these offices provide privacy from the coworking area while still granting 24/7 access to all amenities. With a 6-month minimum term, Office 101 is now available—an ideal spot to buckle down and make your own in Uptown’s premier coworking space.
See additional information here.
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Tenant Spotlight

Big news, y’all: carbs have officially come to Uptown in the best way possible. Shug’s Bagels just opened their first New Orleans shop on Maple Street, and they’re serving up the kind of bagels that make you wonder why you ever settled for toast. Stop by to grab a bagel (or a dozen) and help us give our newest neighbors a big NOLA welcome.
What We're Eating & Drinking
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WE'RE EATINGLate Summer Charred Okra |
WE'RE DRINKINGSaba's Saz-arak |
Chef Justin Devillier (partner at La Petite Grocery) showed us how to take humble okra to the next level with a quick char, a bright tomato vinaigrette, and a hit of fresh lime and herbs. It’s the perfect low-effort, late-summer side you’ll want on repeat. Learn how to make it here or watch him make it on our Instagram. |
Boozy and bold, this slow sipper is an interesting take on the classic Sazerac. Layering spicy rye with the unmistakable licorice kick of Arak, this cocktail is equal parts sharp, herbal, and smooth. You'll be craving it all Fall. Get the recipe here. |
Office Update

We did it—ben + burka is (finally, lol) on Instagram!
Make sure to follow us to keep up to date on our office antics, fresh listings, and the occasional cameo from Casey’s cooking adventures around the city. Find us at @benburka_realestate.
If our newsletter becomes old, generic or lame, it would be an utter shame. Speak up, help us out, that's what we're all about.