'A kind, generous man': Remembering Spahr’s Seafood Restaurants founder Bill Spahr Jr.
Local food lovers have lost a longtime restaurant icon.
William “Bill” Spahr Jr., founder of Spahr’s seafood restaurants in Des Allemands, Thibodaux and Galliano, died Nov. 20. He was 94.
The 3-restaurant chain grew from a bar with a side fishing and hunting shop along U.S. 90. Old fuel pumps still sit outside the restaurant where boaters once refueled before heading out to the bayous. The restaurant, known for its motto "Where catfish is king," is famous for its fried catfish platters, Bloody Marys and seafood gumbo.
Great-grandson Tyler Dufrene said that up till last year, Spahr would make the restaurant gumbo himself. Dufrene remembers Spahr’s love for a beer at the bar and entertaining guests and friends.
“One of my favorite memories is just walking into his house and smelling that gumbo, cooking on the stove,” Dufrene said, “Doing what he loved, he loved to cook, he loved to entertain. He loved to talk with people. Everyone that met him loved him and it was inspiring to see him in his element being able to cook and share his wonderful talent with others.”
Dufrene said the traits he admired the most about his great grandfather were his dedication, intelligence and work ethic.
“He didn't let anything stop him. He pursued his dreams and his vision. And he gave it his best. And that's one of the things that I try to live by as a teacher today,” Dufrene said. "I'm incredibly proud of the legacy he started and leaves on for future generations to carry on."
One of Spahr’s sons, William “Billy” Spahr III, said that his father was a kind, generous man who would help anyone whenever people were trying to start up a business in the area.
“He was never one to compete. He figured the more people we had that started a business, more people would be drawn to the area,” he said.
On Facebook, the restaurant posted:
“He was an inspiration and mentor to us and so many people who worked for Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant over the years. It gives us great honor to build upon his legacy and continue living the values that made him an icon in our communities and industry.”
Daughter Thelezia Spahr Folse said she most admired his ability to take things in stride and his ability to make lifelong friends.
“When he hit hard times, he just always said, 'We’ll just work it out and get back on our feet.' He always had that attitude,” Folse said. “He said, 'You took my land and now I’m going to build something.’ So he always took something that happened to him and he turned it to the best.”
Another son, Donald Spahr, said that his father taught him a lot about hunting, fishing, building and running equipment.
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“And he always told me, to always not just go to work, and work, but try to be the hardest worker you can be and you'd make your way through the world with no problem,” Donald said. “He was a good dad and taught me a lot.”
He said he imagines that his father’s up in heaven now, opening a bar room and entertaining all his friends.
“Oh yeah, somebody’s bought some property up there. He’s opening it up. I’m sure, I’m sure he is,” Donald said.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: 'A kind, generous man': Remembering Spahr’s Seafood Restaurants founder Bill Spahr Jr.
