Tuffy's Eatery is now closed

An Orange County eating establishment has closed its doors for good.

Tuffy’s Eatery at the intersection of Highways 12 and 62 in Mauriceville went out of business last week. The landmark Southern and Cajun food restaurant served the public for nearly 30 years.

Opened in 1985 by James and Janet Linscomb, Tuffy’s was named after Janet’s nephew, Donald “Tuffy” Bishop, who worked as the restaurant’s general manager and could often be found in the kitchen or visiting patrons, according to the restaurant’s website..

A centeries old warehouse in Louisiana provided some of the architectural antiques to the interior, including large timber beams dating to 1885.

In the summer of 2010, the restaurant entered the next chapter when new owners, Shane Johns of Mann’s Insurance Agency in Orange, and partner, David Claybar, owner of The Old Orange Cafe, took the helm.

They kept Tuffy’s rolls, the pies and signature dishes, but also added some culinary diversity to the new menu.

Tuffy’s was put on the map by Texas Monthly’s mention of their homemade rolls.

Tuffy’s bounced back from Hurricanes Rita and Ike with the help of previous owners, State Rep. Michael Hamilton and wife Terry, and Van and Josette Choate.