Back in Time Today
In the rich tapestry of American culinary history, Black-owned restaurants have always held a special place, offering more than just delightful dishes.
They serve as cultural havens, community centers, and symbols of resilience and innovation.
This blog post explores eight pioneering restaurants run by visionary women, each with a unique story and legacy that continues to inspire and nourish across generations.
1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Dooky Chase’s began in 1941 as a humble sandwich shop in New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood, thanks to Emily and Dooky Chase Sr. Amidst financial adversity, they offered more than meals, providing loans when Black-owned banks were scarce. Under Leah Chase, the ‘Queen of Creole Cooking’, it transformed into a fine dining haven for Creole cuisine. Her culinary excellence attracted leaders and artists alike. Today, still operated by the Chase family, it remains a culinary and cultural icon in New Orleans, inviting patrons to experience its rich history and exquisite flavors. Dooky Chase’s legacy endures as a beacon of community and resilience.
2. Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot opened in Selma, Alabama, in 1942, with Lannie Moore Travis at its helm. Starting with a dirt floor, the spot quickly became a town favorite. After Travis’ passing in 1994, daughter Lula took over, infusing her childhood passion into its operations. Known for transporting live hogs by bicycle, Lula’s dedication paid off when she won the Alabama Barbecue Battle in 2015, securing her father’s legacy. The spot thrives today, tantalizing taste buds with its authentic barbecue flavors, a testament to Lula’s enduring commitment to tradition and culinary excellence.
3. The Four Way
The Four Way, founded in 1946 by Cleaves and Helen Willis, quickly became a beloved soul food institution in Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its hearty dishes like fried catfish and turnip greens, it welcomed diners with open hearts and full plates. Its history is enriched by visits from Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., adding to its legendary status. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere made it a hub for community gatherings and discussions. Today, The Four Way continues to serve delicious, comforting soul food, embracing its role as a pivotal part of Memphis’ cultural heritage.
4. Busy Bee Café
Atlanta’s Busy Bee Café was established in 1947 by Lucy Jackson, thriving in the Historic Westside. Renowned for its mouthwatering fried chicken and collard greens, it became a staple in the neighborhood. The café’s charm lies in its homely vibe, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Southern cuisine. It’s a place where meals are shared and stories are told, fostering a sense of community. As a testament to Jackson’s vision, Busy Bee Café remains a beloved spot, offering not just food but a warm, inviting experience for all its patrons.
5. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Willie Mae’s Scotch House, founded in 1957 by Willie Mae Seaton in New Orleans, was a quiet gem until its fried chicken gained worldwide fame post-Hurricane Katrina. Seaton, who juggled multiple jobs before establishing her restaurant, dedicated her life to perfecting her recipes. Her efforts paid off, as the Scotch House became a culinary landmark. Now managed by granddaughter Kerry Seaton Stewart, the restaurant continues to draw crowds eager to taste its legendary fried chicken. Willie Mae’s legacy lives on, celebrated for its delicious offerings and embodiment of perseverance and passion.
6. Sylvia’s Restaurant
Sylvia’s Restaurant opened its doors in 1962 in Harlem, New York City, under the guidance of Sylvia Woods, the ‘Queen of Soul Food’. Mortgaging her mother’s farm, she acquired the eatery and transformed it into a cultural landmark. Famed for its fried chicken and collard greens, Sylvia’s became a gathering place for locals and celebrities alike, even featuring in Spike Lee’s ‘Jungle Fever’. Woods passed away in 2012, but her family continues her culinary legacy, serving soul food with love and warmth, ensuring Sylvia’s remains a cornerstone of Harlem’s vibrant food scene.
7. Mama Dip’s Kitchen
Established in 1976 by Mildred Council, affectionately known as Mama Dip, this Chapel Hill eatery quickly became a haven for Southern comfort food lovers. Focusing on home-style cooking, Mama Dip’s offered classic dishes like cornbread and fried chicken, served with a side of welcoming smiles. The restaurant’s popularity soared, attracting visitors from across the nation. Mama Dip’s Kitchen remains a testament to Council’s culinary passion and dedication to creating a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere that makes every visitor feel at home.
8. Bertha’s Kitchen
Founded by Albertha Grant in 1979, Bertha’s Kitchen has been a cornerstone for Lowcountry cuisine in Charleston, South Carolina. Specializing in dishes like red rice and stewed okra, it offers an authentic taste of Southern culinary traditions. The restaurant’s charm and delicious fare earned it recognition as an ‘America’s Classic’ by the James Beard Foundation. Today, operated by Grant’s family, it continues to maintain its warm, welcoming environment. Bertha’s Kitchen is not just a place for meals; it’s where culture and community come together, celebrated for its down-home charm and culinary excellence.