When the sweets and novelties shop Away Down South opened in November 2019, it was an instant hit in St. Francisville, especially with the local kids. Unfortunately, the shop was hard hit by the pandemic and was forced to close. But Away Down South is set to rise again around the corner from its original location as a smaller and sweeter version at 5725 N. Commerce St.
Owner Amanda DeVille recently told What Now New Orleans that she was devastated when the economic impact of COVID forced her to sell the 4,100-sq foot building where Away Down South was located, which had been in her family for many years.
“I never really bounced back from the hole created by COVID,” she said. “I hated it like a dog, but I had to sell the building. It was so sentimental to me, but the one thing that was causing all the issues was the overhead.”
When it opens this spring, the new shop will be in a smaller location and focus primarily on selling sweets. Fans can expect the return of hand-scooped ice cream, which is used to make Away Down South’s wildly popular milkshakes and floats. The new shop will also sell a wide selection of cookies and candies. DeVille said she’s still focused on sourcing as many products as possible from the surrounding area and Louisiana. The ice creams used to make many of the popular items at Away Down South come from New Orleans Ice Cream Company, and DeVille said she’s working on getting the company to make some exclusive flavors for the shop. While supporting local business is important to DeVille she also said she’s excited to be able to continue offering sweet treats to the local kids in St. Francisville.
“There’s a lot of locals here and we all kind of raise each other’s kids,” she mused. “Not seeing them every day is what I’ve missed out of everything. It’s been a long break and I miss everybody.”
“I like to socialize!” she added with a laugh.
