Jackson’s culinary scene is experiencing another shift as Lou’s Full Serv, a beloved restaurant in the Belhaven neighborhood, announces its closure and relocation. According to recent social media updates, September 28th will mark the final day of service for Lou’s Full Serv at its current location.
Chef and owner Louis LaRose shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the restaurant’s decade-long journey in Belhaven. “As we approach our 10-year anniversary we’ve been reflecting on how grateful we have been for the support and love you all have shown us in supporting our dreams over this last decade,” LaRose stated. “It has been our pleasure to serve the Belhaven area for the last 10 years and this spot will always hold a piece of our hearts.”
This announcement comes after LaRose previously voiced concerns about the challenges faced at the Belhaven location. In a prior interview, he openly discussed the struggles of recent years, citing factors such as lockdowns, the Coronavirus pandemic, and increased competition from newer establishments as contributing to a difficult business environment. “It’s been a rough last three years in Jackson,” LaRose admitted, highlighting the ongoing difficulties.
However, this closure is not an end but a transition. LaRose revealed that Lou’s Full Serv is not leaving the Jackson area entirely. Instead, the entire operation is set to move to Ridgeland, where LaRose already operates Lou’s Southern Sandwich Co. This strategic move signifies a consolidation and refocusing of the Lou’s Full Serv brand.
Ridgeland has been identified as the future home for Lou’s Full Serv. LaRose expressed optimism about the new location, stating, “We love this location and see it as having the very best potential to continue the Lou’s Full-Serv brand.” The plan is to merge the two existing businesses into one stronger entity. Lou’s Southern Sandwich Co. will temporarily close its doors starting September 28th to facilitate this transformation, with a reopening planned for the second week of October as the newly relocated Lou’s Full-Serv.
“We are so excited for this change and cannot wait to bring our passion for fine dining Southern cuisine to the Madison County area,” LaRose enthused, looking forward to serving a new clientele in Ridgeland. He encouraged patrons to visit the Belhaven location for a final farewell and to eagerly anticipate the reopening in Ridgeland.
Jackson’s Restaurant Landscape in Flux
The news of Lou’s Full Serv relocating adds to a series of recent changes within Jackson’s restaurant scene. Downtown Jackson has recently seen the closure of Basil’s, and Fenian’s Irish Pub, a long-standing establishment near Lou’s, also ceased operations earlier in September.
Amidst these closures, there are also positive developments. The Mayflower restaurant in Downtown Jackson has recently reopened under new ownership, bringing a revitalized dining option to the area. This mixed landscape reflects the dynamic and sometimes challenging nature of the restaurant industry in Jackson.
While Belhaven will lose a culinary gem in Lou’s Full Serv, Ridgeland is poised to gain a refined dining experience. The relocation represents a strategic pivot for Lou’s Full Serv, aiming to strengthen its brand and continue serving its distinctive Southern cuisine to a wider audience in the Madison County region. Food enthusiasts are encouraged to follow Lou’s Full Serv’s journey as it embarks on this new chapter in Ridgeland.
