Cafe Du Monde is preparing new merchandise for Swifties

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives in New Orleans this weekend, the city's legendary Café Du Monde in Jackson Square is preparing for what could be one of its busiest weekends of the year. With 150,000 fans expected in town for three sold-out shows at Caesars Superdome, the folks at this historic coffee stand may need their own pick-me-up.

“Oh! Super crazy, maybe like Mardi Gras day,” said Hop Tran, who has worked at Café Du Monde for 23 years.

Street artist Aaron Cummings, who plays outside Café Du Monde daily, says the city's tourism economy is banking on Taylor Swift. He definitely is.

“I wish today was Friday, a special Friday with Taylor Swift fans here. I can’t wait for the big money-making on Friday,” Cummings said.

THE ERAS TOUR

Café Du Monde, a French Quarter staple since 1862, is ready for the challenge. Emily Jaeger, head of merchandising and part of the family that owns the historic cafe, has been preparing for this moment.

“We’re hoping for long lines. We have increased our staff to prepare to support the Swifties,” said Emily Jaeger.

In a creative nod to Taylor's fans, Jaeger collaborated with local artist Allie Behan to design a special “Beignet Eras” cup, which is now available for pre-order on Cafe Du Monde's website.

“I like to say that our top performer is on the cup. This is the beignet. She designed this for us and is working on some merchandise that we will have available this weekend. I think the Swifties are going to eat it all up,” Jaeger said.

Chances are some Swifties will be sipping their first-ever latte or biting into their first beignet this weekend. Jaeger advises them to wear the powdered sugar piled on the beignets with pride.

“Sugar is like glitter. It gets everywhere. So the powdered sugar will be everywhere. It will be like a bit of shimmer and glitter for her. We just hope they have a great time and have a wonderful experience,” she said.

Café Du Monde, with its family-friendly atmosphere, could be a perfect alternative to the city's noisier venues like Bourbon Street and provide a nice stop before or after shows.

“We'll be here for the family experience beforehand, and if they want to come over after the show and have a little beignet to end their evening, we're here for that too,” Jaeger said.

And Swifties, when it comes to the beignet's powdered sugar, it might just stick, no matter how hard you shake it off.

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