Chef “Big E” (Eric) Austin

Celebrating his spirit, his food, and his impact

In lieu of a service, you are invited to share pictures or stories of your experiences with Big E.

Eric “Big E” Austin was born on May 23, 1963, in Indianola, Mississippi. When he later made Minneapolis his home - he brought many people together through food.

He is survived by two sons, Erick and Sean-Michael, and daughter, Jazz Austin. He is also survived by a great number of family and friends from California, Mississippi, Atlanta and New York to name a few.

He is best remembered in Minneapolis as the cofounder of Big E’s Soul Food (opened February 15, 2003 with Melanie Kell). Here is where he became well known for his fusion of elaborate presentation and fine dining techniques with down home southern cuisine.

Big E’s was a destination that strived not only to feed people, but also educate them with the vast amounts of memorabilia that covered every wall (including the restrooms!). The restaurant overflowed with examples of both dark times and the brightest parts of black culture. You could page through antique Ebony magazines, buy a giant pickle for a nickel (with the peppermint stick to go in it), and enjoy original paintings celebrating influential musicians all while jamming to great soulful tunes. The decor also included memorabilia, perceived by some, as “controversial” like blueprints of slave ships and detailed replicas of slavery contracts and money. (Schools would often field trip there just to see it!)

Whenever people would uncomfortably ask why he prominently displayed such terrible reminders of history, he simply stated, “because THAT happened, too.”

“Big E” was an entertainer, a storyteller and donated to many charities. And he did it all with that unmistakable Big E smile.

Celebrities would stop by regularly including: Shaq, Snoop Dogg, Angela Bassett, Tommy Davidson, Tonyus Chauvers of the MN Lynx, Coach Larry, everyone from KMOJ radio, and the MN Vikings/Timberwolves just to name a handful.

With his passing, I have come to realize that everyone has known very different versions of who Big E was with them. Like the decor of his restaurant, parts of him were dark while others contained huge potential for greatness. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories.