Katrina prevents goods from getting to Tulsa

Thursday, September 15th 2005, 10:24 am

By: News On 6

The ripple effect of Hurricane Katrina hits Tulsa. Coffee makers say their products may temporarily disappear from store shelves in the wake of the storm as people in the Gulf put their businesses and their lives back together. The hurricane could also impact supplies of chicken, bananas and seafood.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says one Tulsa business is taking a very hard hit. That's because its entire inventory comes from the Gulf Coast. Hebert's Specialty Meats carries all sorts of New Orleans specialties.

Owner Ed Richard says a lot of his most popular items are in short supply. While the Tabasco company and his shrimp supplier made it through the storm alright, he still hasn't been able to contact many vendors who sell the ingredients that make New Orleans food unique. His pralines and coffee come from the French Quarter which is still without power, and the phone is always busy at Zatarain's New Orleans office.

And thanks to some unlikely new customers, the demand for his goods is bigger than ever. "Unfortunately, business has picked a little bit since the hurricane. People are calling wanting stuff shipped to people who are evacuated from New Orleans in different parts of the country and they miss the food they have it in New Orleans, so we ship it to them."