In the nine months since Amtrak launched its Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, more than 115,000 people have ridden the new train, generating nearly $4 million in ticket sales and blowing past projections.

But some of the most surprising numbers related to the service have come from the cafe car, which has also has exceeded expectations. Passengers on the twice-daily route have spent more than $586,000 on food and beverages since the service began in August 2025, according to data from Amtrak.