A new destination for nightlife is coming to New Orleans East, carrying with it the legacy of one of the city’s most beloved sports icons. Lounge XII is currently in development at 9511 Chef Menteur Hwy, Ste 103, taking over the space that previously housed Show Island Bar and Grill and the Floating Island Bakery Café.
The project is led by Paul Pitcher, a seasoned entrepreneur and long-time business partner of the late Jacoby Jones. While the lounge is a new venture, it stands as a continuation of a partnership between Pitcher and Jones that spanned nearly a decade.
The branding of the upcoming bar clearly honors the late wide receiver. The website for the establishment, Lounge12.com, currently redirects to Mr108.com, Jones’ official site named after his historic 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII. The “XII” in the lounge’s name serves as a permanent salute to the jersey number Jones wore during his championship run.
Details on the specific concept and opening date are still forthcoming, but the convenient location and Jones connection suggest that Lounge XII will aim to be a premier spot for watching sports in the East.
Jones and Pitcher first partnered in 2017 for First Down Funding, a small business initiative. They also collaborated with professional wrestling legend Bret “Hitman” Hart on Sharpshooter Funding, a similar initiative based in Canada.
