Rouses Markets has announced plans for its 77th store – and first in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish – at 8700 W Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.
Expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, the 47,694‑square‑foot store will fill spaces once occupied by Big Lots and Sav‑A‑Lot, transforming a dormant commercial corridor. As part of the project, Rouses will resurface the entire parking lot.
“There’s real momentum in St. Bernard Parish right now, and Chalmette is at the center of so much exciting development. We didn’t want to miss that,” said Donny Rouse, third-generation CEO of Rouses Markets.
“We believe a grocery store should be a real part of the neighborhood, not just a place to shop. We hire locally, support local organizations and show up when the community needs us. That’s been true since my grandfather opened our first store in Houma, and it’ll be true in Chalmette.”
Louis Pomes, president of St. Bernard Parish, which is southeast of New Orleans, spent more than a year working with the Rouses family to find the right location.
“Rouses will bring jobs, strengthen our tax base and bring new energy to a mall that is ready for its next chapter,” he said. “I want to thank everyone involved in making this moment a reality. Welcome to St. Bernard, Rouses, we’re glad you’re here.”
Chalmette customers can expect to find a full‑service butcher shop, seafood market and bakery; hot breakfast, lunch and dinner; local and regional products; and specialty departments.
The store continues a year of growth for Rouses, which added 10 new locations this winter. Hiring details for the new store will be announced closer to opening.
About Rouses Markets
Founded in 1960 in Houma, Louisiana, Rouses Markets began as a single neighborhood grocery store and has expanded along the Gulf Coast. The company remains family owned and operated.
