There were 10 million Black Americans in 1910, about the size of New York City today.
9 of 10 were living in the South, and soon more than half of them would move north in the Great Migration in search of a better life.
Men on wagons bringing crops to market, El Campo, TX 1910 (PC: SMU DeGolyer Library)
That same year, the oldest Black-owned restaurant in America opened for business. It takes something special to last this long.
Come with us on a trip back in time to 10 of the oldest ones still serving up the good stuff! [photo credits to the respective businesses]
1. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, Marianna, AR (1910)
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner circa 2012
James H. Jones Sr (4th generation)
2. Patillo’s BBQ, Beaumont, TX (1912)
Jack & Roxie Patillo circa 1915
Robert Patillo (4th generation) 2016 PC: Kim Brent/The Enterprise
3. Orlandeaux’s Café, Shreveport, LA (1921)
Arthur "Scrap" Chapman, Pete Harris, Tody Wallete Dec 1964
Orlando "Chef" Chapman (3rd generation) 2023
4. Slade’s Bar & Grill, Boston, MA (1935)
https://www.sladesbarandgrill.com/
Leo Papile & Britney Kyle Papile (6th owner)
Muhammad Ali visits Bill Russell's Slades Oct 1964
Slade’s Bar & Grill 2017
5. Prince’s Hot Chicken, Nashville, TN (1936)
Prince family (date unknown)
Andre Prince Jeffries (3rd generation) 2023
6. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, New Orleans, LA (1939)
Dooky Chase (date unknown) PC: Library of Congress
Dooky Chase 2008 PC: Infrogmation
Leah & Edgar "Dooky" Chase circa 1978 PC: Norman J. Berteaux Jr.
Edgar “Dook” Chase IV (3rd generation) 2023
7. Hawkins House of Burgers, Los Angeles, CA (1939)
Hawkins House of Burgers circa 1940s or 1950s
Hawkins House of Burgers 2021
Cynthia Hawkins (3rd generation)
8. Brenda’s Bar-Be-Que Pit, Montgomery, AL (1942)
Mrs. Brenda Bethune (2nd generation) Selma to Montgomery 1942
Donetta Bethune (3rd generation) 2023 PC: CentrAL Inc!
9. Florida Avenue Grill, Washington DC (1944)
https://www.floridaavenuegrill.com/
Irma Hutchins (3rd owner)
Florida Avenue Grill (date unknown)
Florida Avenue Grill 2020
Mary Mac’s Tea Room circa 1970s
Mary Mac’s Tea Room 2023
Like what you see? Pay them a visit and experience a part of living history. Add them to your bucket list today!