Dearman’s Diner: Preserving a Baton Rouge legacy with a modern twist

For over 60 years, Dearman’s Diner has been a beloved institution in Baton Rouge, serving up classic diner fare and fostering a tight-knit community of loyal customers. Now, under the ownership of longtime General Manager Casey Evans, the restaurant is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of its first ever food truck.

AT A GLANCE

Top executives: Casey Evans, Owner; Justin Burnett, General Manager

Phone: 225.924.1391

Address: 7633 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Website: dearmansdiner.com

“There is something about this place that you have to preserve,” says Evans, who took over ownership of Dearman’s just a couple of years ago. “We might do a few extra things, maybe add a menu item or two, but there’s a very strong sense to keep this place as what it was.”

That commitment to preserving the diner’s legacy while innovating is evident in the new Dearman’s South Dine N’ Dash food truck.

The truck, a former school bus that previously served as a food truck for Brickyard South, will be stationed at Brickyard South’s patio, offering diner classics like burgers alongside new and delicious food truck-exclusive menu items.

Food truck operations will be led by current General Manager Justin Burnett. The food truck’s initial hours of operation will be evenings Thursday through Saturday, as well as being open for special events. It will also be registered on delivery apps such as DoorDash, making Dearman’s classic fare more accessible than ever.

Despite the expansion, Evans is adamant about maintaining the unique character and community that has defined Dearman’s for generations. “There is really no ‘I’ about it all,” he says. “It’s the people that work here, it’s the cooks that have been here 40 years, that are all essential to creating this thing.”

“There’s something about this place that you have to preserve”

Casey Evans, Owner

As Dearman’s embarks on this new chapter, Evans is committed to guiding the beloved diner through its next 20, 40 or even 60 years. “I’ve already had the opportunity to be a part of a chapter of this place, and now I have the opportunity to shepherd it through its next chapters,” he says. “I don’t take that lightly.”

With the launch of the Dearman’s South Dine N’ Dash food truck, the diner is poised to introduce its timeless charm to a new generation of Baton Rouge diners, all while staying true to the legacy that has made it a local institution.