Feed Your Soul: Catfish Cabin

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Catfish Cabin has been an iconic symbol on Louisville Avenue for decades. The family has been serving the area for 50 years, and brothers Russell and David Hearn know the skills it takes to keep a place going for that long.

“We always stuck to the core that they started in ‘72. Now we’ve changed some things, but we always stuck with what we could do,” said Russell.

What makes the place unique is not only the food. The location is owned by the Johnson and Pappas family who originally built it. Much of the architecture, like the waves in the bricks, was how Mr. Pappas made it unique.

“It’s not cookie-cutter; it’s the way Mr. Pappas built it. It’s the way he divided it up.”

It housed the Rendevouz Supper Club where many celebrities frequented, like Bob Hope and Elvis Presley. The place has been kept very similar in style by the Hearn family when they took over. They even have a dish that pays a delicious tribute to the supper club in their Catfish Rendezvous, a dish with catfish, crawfish etouffee sitting on a bed of rice. Most of the recipes are the same ones that their mom made, including the lemon icebox pie.

Many people come in and remember the times they had in the restaurant; from first dates, anniversaries, and more pointing to the exact locations they sat. Some patrons have brought other generations to enjoy the memories here in the restaurant, some have even passed away.

David remembers the community supporting them when his father passed away in 2013.

“Actually, he passed away 41 years to the day after he opened this restaurant,” said David.

They try to attend funerals of those who are regulars because they understand what this place represents.

“When you’ve been here 50 years, you get those repeat customers that feel comfortable,” said David.

With more memories in the future, head to the Catfish Cabin, take a seat, make some memories, and feed your soul.

Click here for the full list of locations featured on Feed Your Soul.

Bob Hope Image Credit: PD-USGov-Military-Army License Link Image Source Link

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