The founder of an iconic Wilmington soul food restaurant has died. Linwood "Booty" Davis died Aug. 23, just a few days before turning 86 years old. In the 1970s, he founded Booty's Soul Food restaurant at 918 Castle St.
Before closing in 2020, the eatery became a culinary and community fixture serving fried chicken, pork chops and other Southern favorites over almost five decades in business. It was especially well known as a late-night gathering spot, closing at 3 a.m.
“It was the go-to late night soul food spot,” said Corey Scott, who opened On Thyme Restaurant in that space with his wife Phallin Scott. “You would find any and every one there."
And one of the few Black-owned restaurants at the time, he said.
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The Scotts said they were already fans of the restaurant, but got to know Davis especially well as they worked with him to purchase the property. An onsite mural honors local legacies, including Davis.
Davis is remembered as being kind-hearted and having a strong sense of community, according to his obituary.
“He was a very chill guy,” Corey Scott said. “Loved the community and his family … loved to cook.”
In 2002, the StarNews reported that Booty’s Soul Food closed briefly, following a gunfight where Davis was shot in the shoulder and leg. At the time, he said he considered additional security, but he didn’t want to close.
"I've put too much work into the restaurant to close now,” he said then. "I can't stop the business because of some foolishness.”
He also said that he had the nickname Booty since he was a child, when he learned to cook from his mother.
“After purchasing the restaurant from him, he asked me to promise to keep the good food going,” Corey Scott said.
The Scotts are honoring Davis’ legacy at On Thyme restaurant by serving some of his favorites, including fried pork chops, yellow rice and lima beans on Aug. 25.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Founder of iconic Wilmington soul food restaurant dies
