Robért LeBlanc crafts magic in New Orleans hospitality spaces.

TL;DR

Profile of Robért LeBlanc, founder of LeBlanc + Smith hospitality group behind New Orleans restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.
Leads portfolio including Sylvain, Barrel Proof, Anna’s, The Will & The Way, The Celestine, and The Chloe, started from a record label.
Focuses on blending heart and strategy to create magical, soulful spaces fostering community and authentic experiences.

The story at a glance

This Biz New Orleans profile explores Robért LeBlanc's approach to hospitality as leader of LeBlanc + Smith, a New Orleans group with restaurants, bars, and hotels like Sylvain, The Chloe, and The Celestine.[[1]](https://bizneworleans.com/creating-magic-one-space-at-a-time-the-heart-and-strategy-of-robert-leblanc/)[[2]](https://bizneworleans.com/creating-magic-one-space-at-a-time-the-heart-and-strategy-of-robert-leblanc) LeBlanc, who began with a record label and bartending, now transforms historic buildings into welcoming venues where space design drives guest connection.[[3]](https://www.leblancandsmith.com/team) The piece appeared in December 2024 amid his group's expansion into boutique hotels and preservation projects.[[2]](https://bizneworleans.com/creating-magic-one-space-at-a-time-the-heart-and-strategy-of-robert-leblanc)

Key points

LeBlanc graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, launched Renaissance Records that shifted to event planning via The Renaissance Initiative.[[3]](https://www.leblancandsmith.com/team)
Entered hospitality with music venue Republic New Orleans, then hotel bars LePhare and Loa, before opening first restaurant Sylvain in a post-Katrina bakery building in 2010.[[4]](https://prcno.org/robert-leblanc-founder-of-leblancsmith-talks-about-restaurant-restorations)[[3]](https://www.leblancandsmith.com/team)
Founded LeBlanc + Smith in 2014 as a boutique portfolio emphasizing historic restorations and neighborhood spots like Barrel Proof, Anna’s, The Will & The Way, and Barracuda Taco Bar.[[5]](https://www.leblancandsmith.com/)
Expanded to hotels with The Chloe (14-room Uptown property opened 2020 in historic mansion) and The Celestine (10-room French Quarter hotel from 1791 building, earned MICHELIN keys in 2024).[[6]](https://www.thecelestinenola.com/)[[7]](https://gardenandgun.com/feature/first-look-the-celestine-hotel-in-new-orleans)
Believes magic of a space is key ingredient; projects start with buildings to blend tradition, authenticity, and community feel.[[1]](https://bizneworleans.com/creating-magic-one-space-at-a-time-the-heart-and-strategy-of-robert-leblanc/)

Details and context

LeBlanc + Smith targets small, culturally relevant venues in historic New Orleans structures, often post-Katrina recoveries like Sylvain in the former La Marquise Bakery. This preservation focus preserves neighborhood character while adapting for modern use, as seen in The Celestine, a collaboration with Neal Bodenheimer and designer Sara Ruffin Costello that honors 19th-century resident Celestine Peychaud.[[7]](https://gardenandgun.com/feature/first-look-the-celestine-hotel-in-new-orleans)

His path from record label—bartending nights to fund it—sparked passion for guest connections, evolving into hospitality that prioritizes team growth and emotional experiences over digital detachment.[[8]](https://www.leblancandsmith.com/our-story) Named Louisiana Restaurateur of the Year in 2019, LeBlanc adapted during pandemic with new models and continues selective growth, including Nashville outposts.[[9]](https://www.myneworleans.com/robert-leblanc-of-new-orleans-based-leblancsmith-hospitality-group-was-named-restaurateur-of-the-year-by-the-louisiana-restaurant-association)

Key quotes

"We always begin with a deep dive into the historic and... prefer to target small hotels, which tend to make for a more seamless blend into the heart and soul of a neighborhood."[[10]](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/historic-new-orleans-hotel-tennessee-williams)

— Robért LeBlanc, on approach to properties

Why it matters

LeBlanc + Smith's model shows how boutique operators sustain New Orleans hospitality through preservation and community ties amid tourism pressures. For locals and visitors, it means more authentic venues blending history with modern comfort, like MICHELIN-recognized stays. Watch for further French Quarter hotels or Southern expansions, though tied to ideal historic opportunities.[[11]](https://www.nola.com/news/business/leblanc-smith-expands-nashville-chloe-barrel-proof/article_e1df10aa-e317-4852-a929-56777b0286c9.html)