Tommy Mann Jr.
The Port Arthur News
Mauriceville —
Tuffy’s Eatery, a well-known restaurant and landmark of Orange County has closed its doors to the public after nearly 27 years in business.
Shane Johns and David Claybar purchased the business and took charge of Tuffy’s in July 2010 following weeks of rumors that the well-known restaurant was possibly going to go out of business then.
“It’s a tough climate out there right now, and people are still having a tough time with the economy,” Johns said. “Tuffy’s is a landmark in the community I didn’t want to lose, but it was a really tough decision and it had to be made.”
According to the official website, the restaurant was opened in 1985 by James and Janet Linscomb and was named after Janet’s nephew, Donald “Tuffy” Bishop, who worked as the restaurant’s general manager and could often be found in the kitchen or visiting his beloved patrons.
Different owners, including State Rep. Michael Hamilton and wife Terry, followed by Vidor businessman Van Choate and his wife, Josette, have operated Tuffy’s.
Claybar, who also operates Old Orange Cafe in downtown Orange, and Johns, who is with Mann’s Insurance Agency, Inc., took possession of Tuffy’s and quickly made their mark by retaining the food and traditions that worked and adding new ideas in an attempt to make the business blossom once again.
