Doug and Rita Lambert opened The Crabnet in 1981. It is located in the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Wanting to have theme for the shop, they chanced upon wildlife art and gifts, because Doug’s childhood
had been spent hunting and fishing. His fondest memories were of his dad and three brothers heading to
the camp near the Atchfalaya Swamp on Friday evening for a weekend of fishing for bass, running catfish
lines, and catching frogs and crawfish. On the weekends not at the camp, they would go rabbit or duck
hunting near their home in Baton Rouge.
Once married, Doug and Rita settled in Rita’s hometown of New Orleans. Her parents had owned gift shops
in the French Quarter for many years. After working for her parents for several years, they decided to
venture out on their own. Searching for Louisiana wildlife artists was an easy task because there are some
many talented artists in the area. In fact, their best-selling print artists, Randy McGovern, Brett Smith
and Daniel Rhodes, have shown their work at The Crabnet for almost twenty years. Their best-selling woodcarvers,
Phil Galatas, Richard Reeves, and Ken Picou, have done the same. Doug and Rita also made a commitment to showcase
American-made gift lines in their shop. Nearly 80% of the decorative accessories that you find at The Crabnet
are made in the USA.
Throughout their twenty years of operation, they have been blessed with merchandise from many talented
artists and companies. It has provided them with the income to raise three great kids- Jason, Colin and
Renee'. In addition, they have become good friends with many of their loyal customers and suppliers. God
willing, they hope to provide quality products for another twenty years.
"Nothing compares to the promise we have in You, Lord."
