 f ever there was a couple
destined for the Bed and Breakfast business, it's the Rabhan duo. Both
are consummate professionals and care deeply about the quality of their
Inn and the experiences of their guests.
What is a bit unusual, for bed and breakfast Innkeepers, is that this
couple has prepared for entrepreneurship in Innkeeping their entire
careers, without realizing it. While many of their counterparts readily
admit to beginning their Innkeeping opportunity with little or no
previous lodging experience of their own, Joe and Bebe bring many years
of service in the hospitality and retail marketing industry to the table
(albeit the "kitchen table" in this case).
Graduating from the University of Georgia in 1972 with a degree in Food
Science and Business, Joe served 25 years in the hotel industry with a
major national brand and had the opportunity to direct hotel operations
in a number of mid-sized and large resorts and hotels. Over the years,
he served as Director of Housekeeping, Director of Food and Beverage and
as General Manager. He is a certified hotel administrator and holds
numerous certificates in food service and hotel management.
Bebe, graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in
Fashion Marketing and worked in the retail industry in management roles
and later in data and information processing until she and Joe decided
to start a family.
The Rabhans have two lovely children, Lindsey and Benji who
enthusiastically contribute to the daily operation of the Inn even as
they focus on their school work and extracurricular activities.
Innkeeping is hard work, but Joe and Bebe make personal time for the
things they enjoy. Whenever they can, they visit local restaurants and
enjoy the best that New Orleans has to offer. Perhaps one benefit of
their interest in dining out is that they are in |
touch with some of the
more popular eating establishments in the city as well as some "off
the beaten path" local favorites. They are always eager to share
their experiences with guests and almost as if by magic, they can get
reservations at those "hard to get into places."
Bebe loves to decorate and shop. Or is it shop and decorate? Joe is
always bewildered with her stamina and bargain hunting abilities. Much
of her "eye" is reflected in the decor of each guest room in
the Inn. There's magic in coordinating period furniture with more
contemporary accents and utilizing the individual character of each of
the 17 guest rooms to its fullest potential and appeal. Bebe also
likes to lunch with her friends (yes, lunching is an official sporting
activity in the Crescent City) and she also does a lot of volunteer work
for the community. Speaking of sports, Bebe is a staunch University of
Tennessee fan and football enthusiast. So welcome Volunteers and alumni
from all other schools around the country!
Joe always says his lodging career is a "sideline." "My
real occupation is and always will be prestidigitation and illusionary
science". Translation: Joe is an avid magic hobbyist and showman. At
the age of seven, Joe first got the "bug" of performing magic
and he has been going strong ever since. He is currently Secretary of
the New Orleans chapter of the Society of American Magicians and he is a
two time winner of that club's "Magician of the Year" contest.
He is also a member of the prestigious International Brotherhood of
Magicians and has attained the designation of "Order of
Merlin." When not tending to his Innkeeping responsibilities,
you'll find Joe practicing with coins or cards or reading one of the
latest books or publications on the topic. He volunteers to perform when
he can, along with his colleagues, at local nursing homes, hospitals and
schools. He also supports the Young Magicians organization of his club,
to assist young people in the Magical Arts and serve as mentor and
teacher. When you're at the Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, ask Joe to
"show you one of his favorite routines," he's always got
something up his sleeve! |
