The muffuletta is an iconic Louisiana sandwich that was created in 1906 at Central Grocery in New Orleans, a humble little deli that’s still in operation today. This Italian-style delight is one of those sandwiches that you either love or hate, depending on your opinion about olives. There are plenty of places to grab a muffuletta in Louisiana, but there’s one restaurant in northern Louisiana that’s put its own unique spin on this classic, and we love it. Let’s check it out.

Welcome to Fertitta’s Delicatessen, one of the oldest restaurants in Shreveport.

Fertitta’s Delicatessen/Facebook It’s also the oldest restaurant in Louisiana that’s still owned by the same family. There are older restaurants, sure, but none that have continuously stuck with the same family as owners for longer than Fertitta’s.

This family-owned and operated eatery opened its doors back in 1927.

Herman Leong/Google It originally opened as a grocery store by John and Mary Fulco. It wasn’t until the next generation took over in 1949 that it was transformed into the sandwich shop we know today; that’s the work of Florence and Sam R. Fertitta.

Fertitta’s is known for having some of the best sandwiches in northern Louisiana.

Fertitta’s Delicatessen/Facebook Florence and Sam R. Fertitta ran the business as a grocery from 1949 until 1960. When business began to die down, Sam made the decision to start importing Italian cold cuts, pasta, and olives from New Orleans.

Instead of selling them a la carte, Sam decided to jump into the sandwich-making business.

Fertitta’s Delicatessen/Facebook Fun fact: he wanted to advertise his new sandwich, but neon signs were just too expensive for what he wanted, so he shortened the name to “Muffy,” and that’s the sandwich we know and love today!

Cold cuts, cheese, and mustard dance with Fertitta’s own olive mix in this iconic sandwich.

Nancy S./Trip Advisor For less than $10, it’s a steal!

Fertitta’s offers several variations of the Muffy, and you’ll want to try them all.

Andrew Tamanaha/Google There are meat lovers options with extra meat and cheese, vegetarian versions, Cajun styles, and more.

The specialty olive mix is what really makes the Muffy so delicious.

James Stroud/Google And you can pick up a jar of your own on your way out, so you can have it anytime you’d like.

You’ll want to put it on everything - it’s that good.

Anna Parra Pallares/Google It’ll definitely take your salad from good to great!

Fertitta’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Fertitta’s Delicatessen/Facebook

It’s also the oldest restaurant in Louisiana that’s still owned by the same family. There are older restaurants, sure, but none that have continuously stuck with the same family as owners for longer than Fertitta’s.

Herman Leong/Google

It originally opened as a grocery store by John and Mary Fulco. It wasn’t until the next generation took over in 1949 that it was transformed into the sandwich shop we know today; that’s the work of Florence and Sam R. Fertitta.

Florence and Sam R. Fertitta ran the business as a grocery from 1949 until 1960. When business began to die down, Sam made the decision to start importing Italian cold cuts, pasta, and olives from New Orleans.

Fun fact: he wanted to advertise his new sandwich, but neon signs were just too expensive for what he wanted, so he shortened the name to “Muffy,” and that’s the sandwich we know and love today!

Nancy S./Trip Advisor

For less than $10, it’s a steal!

Andrew Tamanaha/Google

There are meat lovers options with extra meat and cheese, vegetarian versions, Cajun styles, and more.

James Stroud/Google

And you can pick up a jar of your own on your way out, so you can have it anytime you’d like.

Anna Parra Pallares/Google

It’ll definitely take your salad from good to great!

Be sure to give the restaurant a follow on Facebook so you never miss out on any of its delicious creations. Have you ever had a Muffy from Fertitta’s? Let us know in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Fertitta’s Delicatessen, 1124 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA