Dooky Chase — A story of family, tradition, and resilience

By Torryionna Miller • Dec. 21, 2025

Founded in 1941 by Emily Chase and Dooky Chase Sr., Dooky Chase’s is a substantial part of Louisiana’s food and overall history. In 1939, the restaurant was originally a sandwich shop and lottery outlet in the Tremé neighborhood. The Chase family moved to its current location on Orleans Avenue in 1941, where it has been since. During a time of strict segregation, Dooky Chase’s soon became a gathering spot for the Black community.

When Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr. and his wife Leah took over in 1946, the restaurant became a more refined Creole dining room, hosting activists, families, musicians, and travelers from all corners of the globe. Leah Chase was known as the Queen of Creole, and her hospitality—along with a passion for food—helped shape the identity of the restaurant. After perfecting Creole cuisine and her gumbo, fried chicken, and other traditional dishes, Leah earned national recognition.

Chef Edgar “Dooke” Chase IV, Leah’s grandson, currently owns the business. After all these years the restaurant is still a family affair: third, fourth and fifth generations are involved in the restaurant. Edgar said tradition is important, but he understands the changing environment and restaurant casualness.

“Traditions matter, culture matters… so we still do have a dress code,” Edgar said. “The hat rule still stands. My grandmother didn’t matter who you were, she would come in and survey the dining room. Sometimes we’re nice and try to hide it and just sit them in that corner.”

He said his grandmother wanted people to feel a certain way when she was in her dining room because so much love and detail went into it.

“She put so much love into that kitchen,” Edgar said. “You talk about the artwork—you know that was her passion—the color of the floor, the design of the floor, the chandeliers, everything that we have: the different colors of the chairs.”

Dooky Chase’s tells the story of family, tradition, and resilience.