History
The Royal N’Orleans Restaurant was started in 1954 and has remained the hallmark of fine-dining in Southeast Missouri ever since. It miraculously survived, not one, but two fires, the last of which gutted the entire building and left only the four exterior walls. The building itself has stories to tell to those who will listen, and it is rumored a ghost is sighted every once in a while.
A note of obscure origin in the Southeast Missourian, our local newspaper, tells us that work was begun on Turner Hall, now known as the Royal N’Orleans Restaurant, in 1868. It was originally a meeting place for the German Turner Society, but of course, over the years became a center of culture and recreation for the entire community.
In 1888, the Masonic Lodge purchased Turner Hall for $3,000.00 and the name was changed to the Opera House and Masonic Hall. According to a list of contributors, some 65 names long, Turner Hall cost approximately $8,800.00, not including the fine craftsmanship contributed after the initial donations were made. In fact, brick for the building was made in a brickyard at the corner of Good Hope and Lorimier here in Cape Girardeau, and the windows and doors were made on the premises. It is said to display some of the finest brickwork in this area.
In the once-elegant theater, amateur theatricals were put on by debutantes, society matrons, young gallants, and stalwart business and professional men, lyceum, traveling drama companies and concerts: band, orchestra, and vocal. Cole Younger once lectured there on his 14 years as an outlaw, and “Blind Boone’ a gifted African-American pianist filled the room with music. In the years when Dr. C.E. Schuchert owned the building, (1912-1921), there were many stirring concerts by Schuchert Band, which served as the Sixth Regiment Band during WWI, and was the forerunner of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band. Boxing matches were held in the building as well.
In 1904, the first issues of the Daily Republican – the forerunner of today’s Southeast Missourian -- were produced in the southwest corner rooms. Wah Lee’s Chinese laundry was operated in the building from 1906-1927, and almost continuously there has been an eating place of some sort in the building. The Royal N’Orleans Restaurant proudly boasts its nearly 50-year-long residency.
Although the building is typically Germanic in its sturdy grace, it was given a Creole/French name and air by the late Richard Barnhouse. Dick Barnhouse established his restaurant in 1954. He wanted a restaurant with a New Orleans atmosphere, fine food, and a great wine list. He also converted a portion of the upper floor into elegant living quarters. Mr. Barnhouse and his associates, to their everlasting credit, saved the historic building from becoming razed to make way for that ubiquitous mark of progress; a parking lot.
Mr. and Mrs. “B”, as they were fondly called by their employees, passed away in 1970 and 1983 respectively. The restaurant passed into the hands of their children, Jerry and Judy Davis, and was sold in 1987 to area businessman, Dennis Stockard. Mr. Stockard bought the existing restaurant and building and began renovation of the entire property. In 1990, the building burned almost to the ground. Architects from all over the country flew in to see if the historic landmark could be saved. They agreed it could and post-fire renovation began with local architect, Tom Phillips overseeing the entire project, and lending his expertise to the tremendous task at hand. Like a phoenix, the Royal N’Orleans rose from the ashes and in February of 1991, the Royal N’Orleans Restaurant opened its doors again to reign over fine dining in Southeast Missouri.
The restaurant was acquired in the summer of 2005 by a group of local investors headed by Cape Girardeau businessman Ed Radetic. Mr. Radetic has dedicated his time and effort to insure that the proud legacy of those who have gone before him is both preserved and enhanced. The owners, management and employees of the Royal N'Orleans extend our hospitality to you and hope you visit with us soon. Bon Appetit!!