In a remarkable turn of events, Saint John, a popular restaurant in New Orleans' French Quarter, is preparing to reopen its doors this weekend after a swift resolution to a power dispute with utility company Entergy. The closure, which was initially announced as indefinite, stemmed from a billing disagreement over a $40,000 Entergy bill, which resulted in the restaurant's power being disconnected.

Chef/owner Eric Cook, who had expressed frustration with business operations in New Orleans, including the Entergy dispute, received positive news on Friday following a meeting with representatives from City Councilmember Helena Moreno's office. He was informed that power would be restored to the restaurant while he and Entergy worked to resolve the billing issue. Moreno sits on the City Council's Utilities, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee, which oversees Entergy New Orleans.

With electricity back on, Cook and his staff are now running against the clock to restock and prepare Saint John for a potential reopening on Saturday. Despite the positive development, Cook emphasizes that the billing issue has not been fully resolved and will require further attention. However, he recognizes the opportunity to continue doing business and keep his staff employed during this process.

Cook and his attorneys were scheduled to meet with Entergy representatives on Friday afternoon to commence the negotiation process. The dispute revolves around a long-standing disagreement regarding one of the multiple meters serving different parts of the restaurant's building.

In a statement released on Thursday, Entergy New Orleans cited city regulations that prohibit discussing specific customer bills without permission, alleging that Cook had not responded to their request for permission. However, the utility affirmed that the power disconnection followed standard procedure.

While Cook expressed relief that Saint John can resume operations, he remains concerned about the underlying issues that led to the closure. In an interview, he highlighted the need for leadership and accountability in the city, addressing a range of challenges, including crime rates and a significant decline in tourism during the summer.

A New Orleans native and Marine Corps veteran, Cook has been an integral part of the local restaurant scene since leaving the military. In 2018, he opened Gris-Gris, a successful restaurant in the Lower Garden District that offers an elevated take on Southern comfort flavors. Gris Gris, along with its adjacent take-out shop, Gris Gris to Go, will continue to operate unaffected by the Saint John closure.

As Saint John prepares to reopen, Cook hopes that the resolution of the power dispute will initiate a much-needed discussion on accountability and the need for change. He acknowledges the opportunity to rebuild, but calls for collective efforts to address the deeper issues affecting businesses in the area.

For food lovers passionate about New Orleans cuisine, the reopening of Saint John represents a significant development. As the restaurant sets its sights on the future, the hope for a stronger and more supportive business environment remains at the forefront of Cook's vision.

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