Pam Fortner and the Hand Grenade Legacy | New Orleans News

Pam Fortner, the legendary force behind New Orleans’ iconic Tropical Isle bar, passed away at 80, leaving behind a vibrant legacy etched in Mardi Gras magic and the world-famous Hand Grenade cocktail. Once an Army Corps of Engineers worker, her life took a turn during a 1972 Mardi Gras trip—leading her to New Orleans, where she teamed up with Earl Bernhardt in 1984 to open the first Tropical Isle. That one drink? It launched them into fame, expanding into four bars and a restaurant. Her impact on NOLA’s nightlife? Unforgettable. Details of her memorial are pending. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a293b0788e238677