The man who helped transform a simple sandwich shop into a world-famous restaurant has died. Edgar Lawrence "Dooky" Chase, Jr. passed away at the age of 88. The restaurant bearing his name -- "Dooky Chase's" in Treme -- became a place of huge historical significance. It opened in 1941, and over the years, the restaurant hosted presidents, actors, athletes and civil rights icons. During the civil rights era, Dooky Chase's was one of the few places where mixed-race groups could meet. Always part of the fabric of the community, Dooky Chase and his wife, Leah, were named grand marshals of Zulu in 2013. Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

The man who helped transform a simple sandwich shop into a world-famous restaurant has died.

Edgar Lawrence "Dooky" Chase, Jr. passed away at the age of 88.


The restaurant bearing his name -- "Dooky Chase's" in Treme -- became a place of huge historical significance. It opened in 1941, and over the years, the restaurant hosted presidents, actors, athletes and civil rights icons.

During the civil rights era, Dooky Chase's was one of the few places where mixed-race groups could meet.

Always part of the fabric of the community, Dooky Chase and his wife, Leah, were named grand marshals of Zulu in 2013.

Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!