Shirley Mae was a formidable, larger-than-life figure — not someone whose spark and energy could be conveyed in a news story. I have vivid memories of her — especially my first conversation with her, close to midnight on a Friday night in October — a conversation that never made it into print, but involved an ancient, rusty-seamed can of Crisco. Ask me in person sometime, and maybe I’ll tell you.
— Marty Rosen
Louisville culinary legend Shirley Mae Beard died on Saturday.
We painfully announce the loss today of our mother, Shirley Mae. As we mourn and make preparations for her funeral, we will be suspending operations in both of our businesses. We will post arrangements once they are finalized. We petition your continued prayers and thank you for all of your well wishes.
The sheer volume of tributes and testimonials only hints at the impact Beard had on the community. Our thoughts are with her family.
Shirley Mae’s Cafe suspends operation to mourn death of its owner and namesake, by Curadhan Powell (WLKY)
The soul food restaurant in Smoketown was founded in 1988 when it opened on New Year’s Eve. Built in 1880, the building Shirley Mae’s Café is in was converted to the J &H Food Bar in 1946.
It became one of the premier bars for minorities in Louisville, according to Shirley Mae’s Café’s website, attracting celebrities and sports figures like Redd Foxx, Della Reese, Quincy Jones, Cassius Clay and Joe Louis.
Beard bought it in 1988, becoming the first Black owner of the building, and changed the name to Shirley Mae’s Cafe.
