LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Black-owned restaurant in Little Rock known for its delicious food and rich history has been temporarily closed for the past year.
In an update to our report on May 23, Lassis Inn owner Elihue Washington Jr. said that he has no plans to close down. Instead, Washington has been trying to find a dependable person to take over the restaurant while he manages his health.
For years, the restaurant was known for far more than just its delicious catfish and buffalo ribs. It was also known to have been frequented by Daisy Gatson Bates and other civil rights leaders, who often held meetings inside the restaurant.
The restaurant, located on Little Rock's East 27th Street, was founded in the early 1900s by Joe and Molassis Watson.
When they first opened their business, Watson sold sandwiches out of his home. Those sales multiplied once catfish was introduced to their menu. Years later, they relocated to the building on East 27th Street.
The Watson family operated the restaurant for decades, but Washington purchased it in 1989.
