Member of the Month Spotlight: Belle’s Ole South Diner

A Taste of Home, Served With Heart

Some stories begin in expansive kitchens with polished countertops, but the story of Belle’s Ole South Diner began in a family garden—shelling peas, shucking corn, peeling potatoes, and learning firsthand that the most memorable meals are the ones made with love.

Raised among parents and grandparents who lived close to the land and closer to one another, owner Wayne Pitts grew up immersed in the flavors and traditions of true Southern cooking. His greatest influence, his grandmother—or “Memaw”—greeted him with the same warm invitation every time:
“Hey Son. Come get you something to eat.”
That simple expression of love would eventually shape the heart and purpose of Belle’s.

A Family Legacy, Rooted in West Monroe

With a lifelong passion for cooking and hospitality, opening a home-style restaurant felt like a natural calling. West Monroe—with its strong sense of community—was an easy choice. Named after Wayne’s daughter, Isabelle, Belle’s Ole South Diner embodies everything its name promises: warmth, comfort, and tradition. The diner was built to evoke the feeling of visiting Memaw’s house—where everyone is welcome, fed well, and treated like family.

“Why shouldn’t we have the best breakfast and lunch spot anywhere around?” Wayne shares. “We saw a need and knew it would succeed because of the love we pour into every plate.”

Where Every Guest Is Family

From the moment guests walk through the door, they are greeted with genuine warmth and a sense of belonging. Belle’s stays guided by core values rooted in Christian love, deep community care, and a heartfelt devotion to sharing good food. Its rustic, down-home atmosphere reflects the deep South—welcoming, humble, and proud of its heritage.

Even through challenges such as COVID-19 and rising food and operational costs, the diner has never compromised its commitment to quality, fairness, and service.

A Menu With Heritage

Every dish at Belle’s tells a story. Many menu favorites draw directly from Mississippi and Louisiana roots, like richly seasoned beef tips over rice or blackened catfish served on a bed of seasoned rice. Breakfast plates are just as celebrated, from hearty skillets to flavorful omelettes, including boudin and other local specialties.

Some offerings are tributes to family: the Memaw vegetable plate, honoring Wayne’s grandmother and her love for the garden’s bounty, and Pawpaw’s breakfast plate, inspired by his grandfather’s daily ritual of a full Southern breakfast. These recipes, steeped in love and memory, connect the past to every plate served today.

Celebrated and Loved

Belle’s Ole South Diner continues to receive some of the highest ratings in Northeast Louisiana, including being voted Best Breakfast and earning repeated nominations as a top breakfast and lunch spot year after year. Still, among all the recognition, Wayne finds his greatest pride in hearing his parents and grandparents express how proud they are of what he has created.

One traveler who had visited all 50 states once shared that he had never found better home cooking anywhere in the nation—a testament to the authenticity and heart behind every meal.

Words of Wisdom

For those dreaming of opening a restaurant, Wayne offers sincere advice:

“You must love it—through good times and bad. Know your vision. Know the needs of your customers. Show them, every day, that you love, care about, and appreciate them. Do it for the love of the food, not just the love of money.”

Looking Ahead

The success of Belle’s Ole South Diner is built on faith, family, and food—the recipe that began in a family garden and continues to nourish a community.

“We love all of our customers—our family—and appreciate their continued support of our humble diner. The best is yet to come!”

Congratulations to Belle’s Ole South Diner and owner Wayne Pitts, our Chamber Member of the Month—thank you for bringing heart, heritage, and unforgettable flavor to West Monroe.