rmy & Lou’s was established in 1945 by William and Luvilla Armstrong, and was bought in 1973 by Mary and Charles Cole. Mary and Charles Cole honored their vow to continue the Armstrong’s time-honored tradition of quality food, at any expense. They retired and sold their business in 1987.

The Cole’s commitment to excellence was recognized by Reynolds Metals Company of Richmond, Virginia which named Army & Lou’s the 1986 recipient of its “Preservation of Black Heritage Award.” The award honors black restaurateurs whose menus reflect traditional black cooking. The Consumer Products Division of Reynolds Metals conducted a survey which showed that few recipes handed down generation-to-generation in black families were ever written down. The result was a national black recipe contest with the award winning recipes compiled into a cookbook, “The Way Mama Cooked It”, featuring Army & Lou’s. Army & Lou's is featured regularly in the media, with worldwide notoriety.

Since its establishment in 1945, Army & Lou’s has become an important social mainstay in the black community of Chicagofrequented by area residents and business professionals. A premier fine dining establishment specializing in ethnic Southern-style cooking, Army & Lou’s has served star-quality clientele, ranging from entertainers like bandleader Cab Calloway and actress Esther Rolle to pro athletes and politicians represented by former boxing champ Muhammad Ali, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and former U.S. Senator Charles Percy. Since its reopening in December 1992, Army & Lou’s has welcomed back many Chicago area notables.

When Army & Lou’s was forced to close in early 1992 New Ownership stepped in to bring back the glory of this acclaimed establishment with years of experience in food manufacturing, and restaurant management.  Army & Lou’s reputation has built a loyal clientele of customers that return again and again for the superb food and intimate atmosphere.

Join us today, as Army & Lou’s Celebrates 65 Years in Service.

Army & Lou’s Restaurant
(1945 - 2010)

Celebrate 65 Years In Quality Food and Service