Leadership in a crisis

After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their homes, 19 of Michelle and Kyle Davis's relatives fled New Orleans and joined them in Chester, Pa. None of them thought to bring a jug of water from the Mississippi River; the last thing they wanted to see was more water. But now that the extended family has opened a restaurant called De' Essence of New Orleans in Chester, that Mississippi water would come in handy.

According to Michelle Davis, president of the 19-seat Cajun eatery, water is a secret ingredient of authentic New Orleans gumbo. “It used to be when you traveled you took Mississippi water with you to start the gumbo,” the 44-year-old former secretary explains. “We need the water, but what the heck, we can make do.”

Already a subscriber? Sign In

About the Author(s)

Related Articles

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

The Family Business newsletter. Weekly insight for family business leaders and owners to improve their family dynamics and their businesses.