Middendorf’s Celebrates 90 Years This 4th
SLIDELL, La (press release) – Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant turns 90 on July 4. That’s right… 90 years of Middendorf’s and Thin Fried Catfish. The iconic restaurant is ready to celebrate at both locations, Middendorf’s Manchac and Middendorf’s Slidell. There is something planned every day that the restaurant is open the week of July 4.
“90 years is really something, and we want to thank our guests for supporting us all of these years,” said Middendorf’s Owner Karen Pfeifer. “We put our heads together and came up with some really fun ideas for our birthday week including Spin & Win, Everyone Gets Cake, and a Stuffed Animal Giveaway. We love our Dorfers and are incredibly grateful for their support. We cannot do it without them.”
Middendorf’s started out as a small roadside diner back in 1934 in the middle of the Manchac, Louisiana Swamp. The first owners were Louis and Josie Middendorf. It was Mama Josie who created the delicious Thin Fried Catfish recipe that keeps hungry patrons coming back time and time again. We are proud to still be using her recipe today.
Since 1934, Middendorf’s has been locally owned and operated. Horst & Karen Pfeifer took the reins in 2007.
“We’ve had the restaurant now for 17 years, and it’s been both amazing and challenging,” shared Middendorf’s Owner Horst Pfeifer. “It’s hard work having the two locations, keeping them staffed and up to my standards. We’re also in Hurricane Season again, so there’s always a lot of planning and preparation involved. It’s all worth it for Middendorf’s. I love this restaurant and what it means to Louisiana.”
The 2024 Hurricane Season is the 90th one for Middendorf’s. Isn’t that something? See how Horst protects the restaurant in the latest episode of “Hangin’ with Horst” on Middendorf’s YouTube channel.
And, a final thought from Horst… “Whatever the future brings, running Middendorf’s is a true labor of love. We’ll keep doing the work to keep this Louisiana icon, the Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish, going strong. And hopefully, we’ll be talking about this all again at 100 years.”
CELEBRATION WEEK EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024
MANCHAC & SLIDELL
Spin & Win 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
After dining with us or picking up to-go, show us your 7/3/24 receipt for a chance to WIN awesome prizes. (1 play per receipt)
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024
MANCHAC & SLIDELL
Everyone Gets Cake 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday to us! We’re officially 90 years young today. Dine-in and to-go guests will receive a FREE piece of delicious Birthday Cake to celebrate. (1 piece per entree purchase)
Live Music 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CHRIS BROUSSARD on The Deck in Manchac
CHRISTIAN SERPAS & GHOST TOWN on The Porch in Slidell
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2024
MANCHAC & SLIDELL
Stuffed Animal Giveaway 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
The first 200 kids who dine-in at each location will receive a FREE Limited Edition Stuffed Animal. We have special 90th Anniversary Star Spangled Bears and Brave & Bold Bald Eagles.
Face Painting 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stand out from the crowd with FREE and awesome Face Painting.
Live Music
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Manchac, CALL TIME on The Deck
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Slidell, PAT CATANIA on The Porch
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2024
MANCHAC & SLIDELL
Gators 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Get up close and personal with real, live alligators and learn a thing or two. It’s a memorable and FREE experience for kids of all ages. Photo-op alert!
Unicorns 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
We’ve got a giant, inflatable unicorn that shoots water (pause for gasp LOL). So, come on over, get wet-n-wild outside in our super fun Sand Play Area. Don’t forget to bring a towel!
Live Music 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
BRENT GENTRY on The Deck in Manchac
CHRISTIAN SERPAS & GHOST TOWN on The Porch in Slidell
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2024
MANCHAC & SLIDELL
Live Music 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
DRAMA KINGS on The Deck in Manchac
PRESS PLAY on The Porch in Slidell
