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ORAL HISTORY

Carla Briggs

Viola's Heritage Breads

Carla has an abiding passion for the way New Orleanians use food to celebrate and communicate. Most important, though, is her desire to strengthen community ties through food. When Carla began baking and selling bread to make up for COVID–19 grocery shortages, she found a new way to support neighbors.

Since graduating from Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute, Carla has seen many talented Black peers struggle to find solid footing in a white male–dominated culinary industry. She has also struggled herself, fighting to keep her dream alive while contending with hurricanes, supply chain issues, and the daily challenges of operating a small business. In spite of it all, she continues growing her brand while remaining rooted in a rich Black culinary tradition. Her signature Sweet Potato king cake pays homage to the legacy of African American agricultural innovators that have left their indelible mark on Louisiana cuisine.