Jackson’s culinary scene is set to experience a significant shift as Lou’s Full Serv, a beloved restaurant in the Belhaven neighborhood, has announced its closure. After a decade of serving the community, Lou’s Full Serv will be ceasing operations at its current location on September 28th, according to recent social media updates. Chef and owner Louis LaRose shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the past ten years, expressing gratitude for the community’s support of Lou’s Full Serv and acknowledging the Belhaven spot’s special place in their history.
LaRose has previously voiced the challenges faced at the Belhaven location. In a Clarion Ledger article from July, he openly discussed the difficulties of operating in Jackson over the last three years, citing factors such as lockdowns, the Coronavirus pandemic, and increased competition from newer establishments. Despite these headwinds, the spirit of Lou’s Full Serv remains strong as LaRose announced a strategic move to Ridgeland, where he already operates Lou’s Southern Sandwich Co.
This relocation signifies a consolidation of LaRose’s culinary ventures. Lou’s Southern Sandwich Co. will temporarily close its doors starting September 28th and is scheduled to reopen in the second week of October as the newly rebranded Lou’s Full Serv. LaRose conveyed his enthusiasm for this transition, emphasizing Ridgeland as the ideal location to continue and expand the Lou’s Full Serv brand. By concentrating efforts on a single restaurant, the aim is to enhance the focus on delivering the fine dining Southern cuisine that Lou’s Full Serv is known for.
A Shift in Jackson’s Restaurant Landscape
The departure of Lou’s Full Serv from Belhaven marks another change in Jackson’s evolving restaurant scene. Recently, Basil’s in Downtown Jackson also declared its impending closure, and Fenian’s Irish Pub, a long-standing establishment near Lou’s, closed earlier in September. These closures highlight the ongoing pressures within the Jackson restaurant industry.
However, there are also positive developments. The Mayflower restaurant in downtown Jackson has recently reopened under new ownership, signaling resilience and continued investment in the city’s culinary future. While Jackson bids farewell to Lou’s Full Serv in Belhaven, the anticipation builds for its reopening in Ridgeland, promising to bring its distinctive Southern dining experience to a new audience.
