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Allison Jacobs
Joe Spencer stands outside his restaurant in Detroit.
rowing up, Joe Spencer never pictured him-
self as a restaurateur. After retiring from
his successful broadcasting career, it was
merely by chance he found himself managing the
day-to-day operations at Louisiana Creole Gumbo,
a local Cajun, Creole and Southern-style restau-
rant and catering business.
While he always had an appreciation for food,
he spent a majority of his career in broadcast-
ing, acting as producer and manager for WGPR.
As he was looking forward to retirement, Doug
Morrison, a friend of his from WGPR, had his eye
on buying Louisiana Creole Gumbo and urged
Spencer to be his business partner.
At the time, Spencer was looking to purchase
an eight-unit apartment building on Detroit’s
west side. Struggling to decide between the two,
Spencer suggested they flip a coin. As the quar-
ter hit the table, fate landed on Louisiana Creole
Gumbo.
In 1983, Spencer and Morrison took over for the
owner, a warm-hearted Louisiana native named
Joseph Stafford who had been running the busi-
ness with his wife since 1970.
Stafford eagerly shared his family recipes and
longtime business practices with Spencer, visiting
the restaurant daily for about a year. While most
of the original recipes remain, including Stafford’s
spice blends for Creole, gumbo and jambalaya,
Spencer has made significant adjustments to the
menu over the years.
continued on page 52
4000 Cass Elizabeth Rd. bWaterford
( The Original Mitch's On Cass Lake )
www.forknpint.com
248-791-3256
HOURS: Wed - Fri open @ 4pm bSat & Sun Open @ Noon
jn
May 4 • 2017
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