WE GO WAY BACK!

Lou’s is a vintage family-owned and operated diner that serves up affordable homemade items and classic diner fare for both Las Vegas locals and visitors. Our charm comes from the fact that not much has changed since the diner first opened over 50 years ago in 1969 under the name Jo-Ells. 

We are proud to be a living slice of Las Vegas history, and we appreciate you taking the time to stroll down memory lane with us. 

Fall, 1969
the debut of jo-ells

Jo and Ellen Fallon put Jo-Ells on the map. The restaurant, located near Alta & Decatur, is on the very outskirts of Las Vegas at the time, and people line up to eat at the only restaurant off The Strip for miles around.

July, 1972
lou joins the party

Louise "Lou" Walters enters Jo-Ells and her spunk and energy get her hired on the spot. Lou and her three sons, Kip, Jeff, and Kevin, (who become daily morning fixtures and eventually bus tables and wash dishes as each comes of age), are welcomed into the Jo-Ells family.

1985
Jo and Ellen hand over the reins

Upon their retirement in 1985, Jo and Ellen sell their beloved restaurant to Kwak and Yee Ho. The restaurant again changes hands in 1994 when Chris Ells becomes the new owner. Lou continues to work at Jo-Ells throughout the years. 

November, 1997
lou's diner is born

Lou finally steps up and decides it's been long enough. She and her husband, Jim Lauber, take out a mortgage on their house to purchase Jo-Ells and make it their own. Lou's Diner is born and the whole family, including Lou's kids and grandkids pitch in to make it a success.

December 9, 2015
lou's legacy lives on

After running the diner for 18 years, Lou and Jim decide it is time to retire, but they don't want to hand the diner over to just anyone. Enter Brian and Julie Genco, whose desire is for Lou's legacy to live on. After teaching the Gencos everything needed to keep Lou's running successfully, Lou and Jim leave the restaurant in Brian and Julie's capable hands.

MEET THE GENCOS

Brian and Julie Genco are the hardworking and proud owners of Lou’s Diner. They are also dedicated parents to their son, Matthew, a budding NHL star!