SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Longtime Springfield restauranteur Chef Wayne Hooker has passed away.

Hooker was the longtime owner of the popular Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou on Liberty Street in downtown Springfield until 2022. Earlier this year, the restaurant returned in a new form and with new ownership as Mamou’s on Worthington Street.

In a statement, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said: “I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of great Chef Wayne Hooker. My sympathy, thoughts, prayers and encouragement go out to his family and friends and the multitude of dedicated patrons. Chef Wayne was not only a great Chef and restaurant tour, but a huge personality and big promoter of our City of Springfield. He has definitely left his mark through his culinary exploits, and his legacy will live on with the new Mamou Restaurant, which Carla and I were just there Saturday, November 1st with family. Heaven just got a little bit spicier with that excellent cuisine that he brings up there now. May God rest his soul!”

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

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