Joanie's Cheese Straws
A Taste of New Orleans tradition
In the heart of New Orleans, where every street echoes with jazz and every bite tells a tale, Joanie’s Cheese Straws bring a timeless Southern flavor to life. Inspired by a family recipe passed down through five generations, these crispy, savory delights capture the essence of hospitality, heritage, and celebration.
The legacy begins in 1838, when a young man from Bordeaux, France, fell in love with a first-generation New Orleanian of French and Spanish descent. Their union reflected the city’s unique blend of cultures and flavors, a culinary melting pot that would inspire generations to come.
In the heat and humidity of New Orleans, traditional cheese didn’t last long. But local cooks found a way to transform it into something unforgettable: golden, crispy cheese straws with a hint of cayenne spice. Known then as pailles de fromage, they quickly became a beloved Southern staple served at gatherings, gifted at holidays, and cherished at every family table.
For Joanie, cheese straws were more than just a snack; they were a symbol of love and togetherness. Growing up with five sisters in her mother’s warm, pink kitchen, Joanie learned that food had the power to turn strangers into family. The sound of laughter, the scent of cheese baking in the oven, these were the moments that shaped her.
Now in her 60s, Joanie proudly launches Joanie’s Cheese Straws, bringing her family’s cherished recipe to a new generation. As a proud New Orleanian, wife, mother, and first-time entrepreneur, she proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Experience the perfect cheesy crunch that embodies the heart of New Orleans. Order Joanie’s Cheese Straws today and taste a true Southern tradition.
Acknowledgments
Joanie’s Cheese Straws would not be what it is today without an incredible team of women (and friends!) who helped turn a simple recipe into a dream come true.
Our Dream Team:
Mathilde Mulkin, Hayden Davis, Julia Mulkin, Izzy Mulkin, and Connie Winsberg — thank you for rolling up your sleeves, taste-testing more than you ever thought possible, and bringing endless love, laughter, and energy into the kitchen. You are the heartbeat of Joanie’s Cheese Straws.
Our Creative & Professional Partners:
- Simone Rathlé of Simoneink — for spreading the word with grace, grit, and PR magic and being a true inspiration.
- Eugenia Uhl of Eugenia Uhl Photography — for capturing every crumb in the most delicious light.
- Hermina Lezama of Kreative Results — for guiding us through the business puzzle with clarity and creativity.
- Anne Smith Reeves of ASRART — for your artistic eye and beautiful drawing, where it all started.
- Les Urais of Les is Amor Graphic Design — for transforming our pink-and-orange vision into a brand that truly shines.
Our Community:
- Friends of Codey’s Nola — for giving us a kitchen home filled with support, resources, and encouragement.
To each of you: thank you for believing in Joanie’s Cheese Straws and sprinkling your own magic along the way. This is more than a snack — it’s a celebration of teamwork, tradition, and love.