The historic Dooky Chase’s restaurant in New Orleans has reimagined its legendary upstairs dining room, reported Southern Living and Black Enterprise, transforming a former civil rights sanctuary into a modern celebration of Black excellence and cultural preservation. The revitalized space honors both the establishment’s 82-year legacy and the enduring spirit of its founder, Leah Chase.
A culinary landmark’s evolution
The restaurant, established in 1941, earned its reputation not only for exceptional Creole cuisine but as a cornerstone of community organizing during the Civil Rights era. The upstairs dining room served as a clandestine meeting space where activists could strategize safely, sharing both meals and revolutionary ideas despite segregation laws.
The timing of the reopening carries special significance, coinciding with what would have been the 102nd birthday of Leah Chase. Known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Chase transformed the restaurant into more than just a dining establishment; she created an institution where art, activism, and Southern hospitality seamlessly merged.
Artistry meets activism
The renovated space showcases stunning murals created through a collaboration between acclaimed local artists Ron Bechet and Ayo Scott, working alongside talented students from Xavier University’s art program. These vibrant works capture pivotal moments from the civil rights movement, ensuring younger generations understand the profound history that unfolded within these walls.
The artistic elements do more than decorate; they serve as a powerful reminder of how this space functioned as a sanctuary for change-makers during one of America’s most transformative periods. The murals bring to life the courage of those who gathered here, risking everything to challenge systemic inequality.
Bridging generations
The Chase family has thoughtfully preserved the space’s historical significance while adapting it for contemporary relevance. The upstairs dining room will now serve as both a restaurant space and an events venue, featuring carefully curated menus that honor traditional Creole cuisine while embracing modern culinary innovations.
This dual-purpose approach reflects the restaurant’s commitment to remaining relevant across generations while maintaining its core identity. The space continues to serve as a gathering place where stories of resistance and triumph can be shared over exceptional meals, creating new memories while honoring historical ones.
A living legacy
Members of the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE — who once gathered in this very room — have returned to witness its transformation, providing firsthand accounts of the courage it took to defy unjust laws. Their presence at the reopening ceremony bridges past and present, demonstrating how Dooky Chase’s continues to serve as a living testament to the power of community action.
The reimagined space represents more than just a physical renovation; it embodies the ongoing commitment to preserving Black cultural heritage while moving forward. Edgar Chase IV, grandson of Leah Chase, ensures that the restaurant maintains its founder’s dedication to both culinary excellence and community service.
As New Orleans continues to evolve, Dooky Chase’s stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and progress. The reopened upstairs dining room serves as a reminder that some spaces transcend their original purpose to become symbols of resistance, resilience and renaissance. Through thoughtful curation of both its physical space and its mission, this legendary establishment continues to nourish both body and soul while inspiring future generations.
