MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) -- "John, New Orelans Take-Out is the bomb! Red beans and rice, jambalaya ..."

John Roussos is reading one of many notes hanging on the walls of New Orleans Take-Out. They're autographed photos -- mostly of musicians, with a few actors and politicians in the mix.

For 32 years, Roussos's kitchen has fed the famous -- along with families, friends and visitors to Madison looking for food with a little Louisiana kick. Looking back on its final day, Roussos muses on what his restaurant became -- a stomping ground for household names who stopped in Madison.

"It's strange to be the one who did it," he says.

Roussos says that when he decided to retire, he knew he wouldn't want to risk the future or reputation of the restaurant he opened. So he decided to make it the restaurant he closed.

"It's been a rough day, but a good day," Roussos says as he prepares to serve a final meal for guests lining up outside.

When asked about the key ingredients that made New Orleans Take-Out a 32-year success, Roussos points to precision, artistry and a dedication to authentic cuisine (""I can make real gumbo. I spent decades trying to make gumbo ... I made a million and one gumbos before I made it right"). But he also points to the musicians who passed through, the staff who supported him, the chefs who trained him -- and

the luck of opening his doors during a moment when famous food writers began to highlight Louisiana cuisine.

"I opened at just the right time."

Copyright: WMTV 2017