A STORIED ADDRESS
The History of 613 Royal Street
From Colonial Residence to Culinary Landmark
The site of today’s Court of Two Sisters has played a significant role in New Orleans history for nearly three centuries. As early as 1726, 613 Royal Street served as the residence of Sieur Étienne de Périer, the second French royal governor of colonial Louisiana and successor to Bienville, founder of New Orleans.
During this period, the surrounding block—later known as Governor’s Row—was home to governors, justices, and future national leaders, including Zachary Taylor and Edward Douglass White. The property’s legacy as a place of prominence was firmly established from the city’s earliest days.
The present three-story structure with attic was constructed in 1832 during New Orleans’ first major economic boom. Built for Jean-Baptiste Zénon Cavelier, president of the Bank of New Orleans and a veteran of the War of 1812, the building exemplified the French townhouse style. The Cavelier family lived upstairs while operating businesses on the street level.
The property remained in their hands until 1854, after which it passed through several owners before becoming home to the Two Sisters’ famed notions shop in the late 19th century.
Transition, Revival & Preservation
Following the closure of the sisters’ shop, the property experienced a period of transition. Between the 1920s and 1950s, it changed ownership multiple times and is believed to have functioned variously as a bistro, refreshment stand, and even briefly as a speakeasy. By the years surrounding World War II, it had become a popular gathering place, particularly under the ownership of Jimmy Cooper, who cultivated a thriving tourist trade during New Orleans’ shipbuilding and embarkation era.
A defining chapter began in 1963, when renowned restaurateur Joe Fein, Jr. acquired the property. Recognizing its historical significance, Fein immediately undertook careful preservation of the building while shaping its future as a dining institution. His sons, Joe Fein III and the late Jerry Fein, continued that dedication, and today the third generation of the Fein family oversees daily operations—maintaining both tradition and excellence.
Legends, Courtyard & Modern Legacy
At the heart of the property lies its famed courtyard, the largest in the historic French Quarter. Once designed for privacy and climate relief, it now serves as an iconic gathering space where fountains flow beneath open skies. Visitors pass through the legendary Charm Gates—said to have been blessed in Spain—make wishes at the Devil’s Wishing Well, and dine beneath centuries of history woven into iron, brick, and vine.
Today, the Court of Two Sisters stands as a living landmark of New Orleans hospitality. Known worldwide for its live jazz brunch, romantic Creole dinners, gracious service, and incomparable setting, it remains a place where history is not only preserved, but experienced daily. There may be many celebrated restaurants in New Orleans—but there is only one Court of Two Sisters.