Knotty Pine, historic soul food restaurant in Wilmington, to reopen

Lolita Johnson spent her childhood at the Knotty Pine restaurant in Wilmington's East Side.

The fourth-generation cook used to pop into the kitchen to watch her grandmother "Mom Fannie" and grandaunt "Mom Stella" whip up soul food classics like chitlins, chicken and dumplings, and sweet potato pie for their regulars.

Now, Lolita, 45, is taking over the family business.

"We decided we want to reopen the building, start the family traditions all over and try to bring the neighborhood together again," she said. "This is the new generation, but the food will be cooked with the same love and affection."

The Knotty Pine II is scheduled to open in July in its same location at 308 E. 11th St.

Since its establishment in 1959,the Knotty Pine was a refuge for African-Americans in Wilmington when restaurants were segregated by race. Patrons included black celebrities like Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and Lena Horne.

It was Delaware's oldest continuously operated African-American restaurant until it closed in August 2014 when Stella Johnson Dunning retired her apron because of health issues.

For Lolita, it's a privilege to continue her family's work.

"I knew this was something I wanted to do, seeing that hustle in them," she said. "I've seen these women in my family make strides."

The restaurant will keep its traditional character and the wooden panels and beams that inspired its name, but with some new twists, Lolita said. She hopes to introduce live entertainment like spoken word and jazz music.

A new menu will not include pork but will