Owen Brennan

Owen Edward Brennan, Sr. (April 5, 1910 – November 4, 1955), was a restaurateur in his native New Orleans, Louisiana, who founded what became Brennan's, with the original outlet in the French Quarter.

Biography

Brennan was born to Owen Patrick Brennan (1886-1958) and the former Nellie Valentine. As the oldest of six children, Brennan felt the need to support his family from a young age. He and his wife, Maude, had three sons, Owen, Jr., James, and Theodore. Determined to do well for himself, Brennan in 1943 purchased the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. He became well known throughout the city as a host to his customers. Spurred by a challenge from a friend, Brennan in July 1946 opened Owen Brennan's French & Creole Restaurant, which became more commonly known as the Vieux Carre.

Brennan employed members of his family for different positions within the business. The restaurant flourished as it gained many regular customers. The dish Bananas Foster was created at his restaurant. In 1954, however, when it became time for Brennan to renew his lease, his landlord demanded 50 percent of the profit from the restaurant. Unwilling to let that happen, Owen moved his restaurant to Royal street and converted an old building into the new and improved Brennan's Restaurant. Unfortunately Brennan did not see his restaurant open to the public. He died in his sleep on November 4, 1955, from a massive heart attack at the age of forty-five. The restaurant opened the following spring.

Owen Brennan (footballer)

Owen Brennan (18 August 1877 – 26 January 1961) was a former Australian rules footballer who played with Collingwood in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

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