Marita Woywod Crandle is an author, historian, and entrepreneur best known for her work documenting New Orleans folklore, vampires, and local history.
Local Identity: Originally from Germany, she spent part of her career working in marketing and writing in California before moving to New Orleans. Once in New Orleans, she spent years as a French Quarter bartender which compelled her to write the book Johnny White’s Sports Bar - The Tiny Joint That Never Closed - Until it did, before becoming a central figure in the city’s modern vampire culture and gothic scene.
She has written several books, documenting local folklore and historical fiction, including New Orleans Vampires – History and Legend and Josie Arlington’s Storyville – The Life and Times of a Storyville Madam, both as research for her historical fiction work, Mosquito-Southern Vampires Part I and II and The Carter Brothers (to be released September 2027)
Crandle also owns several vampire themed businesses in New Orleans’ French Quarter. She is the owner and founder of :
Boutique du Vampyre:
Open in 2003, this famous vampire-themed gift shop primarily offers hand crafted items by both local aritists as well as artists from all across the country.
The New Orleans Vampire Cafe: Located on St. Ann Street, this upscale restaurant blends vampire aesthetics with traditional New Orleans cuisine. It is famous for serve-ware quirks—such as cocktails served in blood bags or IV drips—alongside fine dining dishes like duck, gumbo, and seared scallops.
The Vampire Apothecary:
Located on St. Peter Street, this venue combines an eatery and bar with mystical services. Alongside lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails, it features an botanical/herb-infused menu, on-site tarot card readings, custom vampire fang fittings, Apothecary and Seance themed magic shows. Authentic Seances and Enchanted Evenings a storytelling event that pairs themed cocktails with spooky stories.
Potions Speakeasy:
Potions is a private, vampire-themed speakeasy located in secret spot in the Quarter and requires a password obtained through a visit to her other businesses for entry and serves signature cocktails in a lush, hidden lounge setting.
