31
ack in 1968 Rance and Marjorie Cuevas
opened a restaurant just outside of Picayune
city limits that is still thriving today. In fact,
fried catfish lovers from all over south
Mississippi and Louisiana head to Cuevas
Fish House for some of the best fried catfish you have ever
tasted. But, it’s more than just the fried catfish. Their
signature Cole slaw and
hush puppies are part of
the reason people will
travel from far and wide
B
to enjoy a meal at Cuevas Fish House. Rance Cuevas took
his special recipes and turned them into an area favorite.
Cuevas Fish how is still located in the same building, and still
using the same recipes, and the same menu that was started
more than 45 years ago. Marjorie Cuevas was an elementary
school teacher, fondly remembered by her hundreds of
students. She taught 3rd grade at Hancock North Central
school in its original location off of Highway 603. She retired
as a school teacher, then began helping Rance more with the
restaurant business before her death. When Rance grew ill
and died, the restaurant was passed down to his closest
relatives, including a sister and niece. His niece, Ollie Shiyou
is the present owner and manager of Cuevas Fish House, and
does everything she can to keep it the family favorite it has
been for generations.
There’s no low lights, flowers or candles on the table here!
In fact, you might even sit at a picnic table with benches.
And, be prepared to see people you haven’t seen in years! It’s
not unusual to see 10 to 20 people sitting outside on benches
or in their cars, waiting for their turn to be seated. But, you
won’t mind the wait. Once you get inside, and order the all-
you-can eat catfish filets or whole fish, with sides of Cole slaw,
hush puppies, French fries, and tartar sauce, you’ll know the
wait was well worth it! And, the waitresses will keep your
bowls and platters full all through the meal! Along with some
of the best southern sweet tea or cold drinks! For those few
who are not fish eaters, they also have all-you-can eat
southern fried chicken, with the same
sides. And if you’re lucky, they will still
have some lemon pie when you’re ready
for dessert!
Ollie is quick to tell you that she loves
all her employees. She says it’s like one
big happy family at the restaurant. The
restaurant is still open for dinner on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
And, here’s something new. They are
also open for lunch on Thursday and
Fridays! But, that’s about the only change
that has taken place since the opening in
1968. Ollie says people travel from New
Orleans, Alabama, Florida, Jackson, MS,
Hattiesburg, MS, and even farther, to eat
at Cuevas Fish house. She says they
always tell her how much they love it.
That’s why she wants to keep the
restaurant as close to the original as pos-
sible. Like Ollie says, “If it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it!” If it’s been a while since
you ate at Cuevas Fish House,
make plans to visit soon. But,
get there early!
The History of
Cuevas Fish House
