Mama Dip’s Founder Mildred Council Dies at 89

North Carolina soul food legend Mildred Council passed away Sunday night at UNC Hospital.

Council is best known for opening Southern restaurant Mama Dip’s in Chapel Hill in 1976. Now located at 408 West Rosemary St. (after a move in 1999), the eatery is renowned for its home cooking and hospitality. It is an institution that is fondly remembered across North Carolina — and beyond.

Council was famous not only for her fried chicken and barbecue; The News & Observer lists Council’s other accomplishments, including two cookbooks, awards, and numerous acts of community service.

WRAL shares that instead of flowers, friends and family should donate to the “Mama Dip Share the Love Fund,” which goes to help encourage and inspire underprivileged youth.

A few Southern food experts took to Twitter today to share their condolences. James Beard Award-winning author Michael Twitty wrote, “My respect and condolences to the Council Family and the Chapel Hill community. Rest in Power Mildred ‘Mama Dip’ Council, 89, one of the finest chefs in the history of North Carolina and our beloved South, and a strong Black woman of enterprise.”

• Mildred Council, Owner of Famed Mama Dip’s Kitchen in Chapel Hill, Has Died [N&O]
• NC Food Icon ‘Mama Dip’ Passes Away [WRAL]
• Mama Dip Share the Love Fund [Triangle Community Foundation]