Since 1925, NATCO has been at the heart of New Orleans’ culinary heritage, delivering the highest-quality meats to the restaurants and businesses that define our city’s legendary flavors.
Learn MoreOur story is one of resilience, family values, and unwavering commitment to our clients.
In 1925, Nicholas Lalla, an Italian immigrant, started as a humble butcher to provide for his loved ones.
In 1968, his son Leonard carried the family business forward, guided by the same dedication to quality and service.
—Anne, John, Earline, and Thomas—who transformed National Meats into what we proudly know today as NATCO.
As we look to the future, we remain rooted in the core values that shaped our past: exceptional quality, unparalleled service, and enduring relationships with the clients we are privileged to serve.
Since opening, NATCO has expanded its product line to hundreds of dry goods, milk, dairy, eggs, and specialty items on top of the center of plate proteins they are known for. NATCO’s family oriented beginning has allowed them to continue to bring their family service to more communities across the Gulf South.
NATCO Food Service, now entering its fourth generation of family involvement, has grown over the last 95 years from its local foundation as a meat cart in old New Orleans to a regional institution; commanding respect from restaurants, chefs and diners, alike.
Nicholas Lalla laid the foundations for our company in 1925, but these days the Lalla family has been joined by incredible talent from all over the world. Together, we work hard to provide restaurants and food service providers with the very best meats and products available.