The legendary Baton Rouge restaurant celebrates 90 years during the month of black history – WBRZ

Baton Rouge – This year the legendary chicken hats restaurant celebrates its 90th anniversary. The late Thomas “Tommy” Delpitis opened the business in 1935.

“It’s like a Christmas story. We hear it every year. In 1935 he came from New Orleans to Baton Rouge with, I want to say, 35 cents in his pocket … And he started the chicken shed, “says Delpite’s great -grandson, Doug Smith.

Smith is one of many members of the Delpit family who support the business. It was initially an ice cream salon. In 1937, Tommy changed it to the chicken shed that people know and love today.

“I think my great -grandfather did a great job, but my grandfather and my grandmother, they really brought him to a whole new level,” Smith said.

Doug’s grandfather and Tommy’s son, Joseph Delpit, took the business in 1959. He expanded it to new heights.

“With offers, fish, pork chops. We have fish sandwiches, fish po’boys, shrimp po’boys,” he said.

General Manager Troy Carter has been working in the chicken shed for 46 years. He says Joe Delpepa has created an inheritance that expands far beyond the chicken.

“When Baton Rouge had a problem, Mr. Delpepa was at the forefront and so he gathered around the people,” Carter said.

Joe Delpit was the first black city advisor to Baton Rouge. He then served four terms at the home of Louisiana representatives for district 67.

“Now people are gathering around the chicken shed. It doesn’t matter what is happening in Baton Rouge, we can rely on at least 500 people who come to this door every day,” Delpita said.

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the restaurant has a special February 8th. All day, two -piece chicken meals will cost $ 1.90. However, from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 18:00 to 18:00, two parts will cost 90 cents.