SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A sad day for many in Springfield as Chef Wayne Hooker has passed away on Monday at the age of 70.

Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou was a popular and long-standing restaurant in Springfield, known for its lively atmosphere, southern hospitality, and bold Cajun cuisine.

Chef Wayne was one of the only chefs in Springfield bringing in the taste of New Orleans.

While the restaurant’s original Liberty Street location closed in 2020, the legacy is now being carried on by the new restaurant, the Mamou, located here at 272 Worthington Street under Chef Ivan Felix who was trained by Hooker himself.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno releasing a statement following hooker’s passing which reads in part, “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 restaurateur, 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.”

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