Popular Louisiana-style restaurant to open this spring on Eastman Road
The restaurant scene in Longview is about to get a little spicier, with a heavy dose of southern comfort.
This spring, the popular Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill will open its doors at 3084 N. Eastman Road, formerly home to Fish City Grill. It marks the Louisiana-style chain’s first restaurant in Texas, as well as its first franchised location.
The restaurant is known for its wide array of Cajun classics and original creations, prepared in authentic, made-from-scratch fashion. The extensive menu features gumbo, jambalaya, boudin and etouffee, as well as oysters, crawfish and Po-boys. In addition, a wide variety of grilled fish and shrimp entrees stand alongside hearty land options and seasonal favorites. It’s a classic Louisiana kitchen, complete with homemade beignets for dessert.
The first Cajun Steamer opened 10 years ago in the Birmingham, AL, market and quickly developed a loyal following of raving fans. Original co-founder Jeff Thompson continues as the director of operations and cuisine for the concept that began with him selling crawfish from his truck. A mutual friend once associated with Prejean’s in Lafayette, LA, helped develop the menu as it evolved; and the rest, as they say, is history.
“That seems like a lifetime ago, but the same love and commitment to the food still exists in all of our restaurants today,” says Thompson.
A second Birmingham location followed shortly thereafter, and the restaurant moved into the Nashville market in 2009 with a location in Franklin, TN. In 2010, the chain was purchased by local Longview businessmen, establishing a direct connection to East Texas. Now, those owners are embarking on a proactive expansion plan across the Southern United States, moving at a controlled and deliberate pace into targeted markets that appreciate authentic Cajun dining. They believe Longview fits the bill perfectly. A fifth location, in Huntsville, AL, is slated for a mid-summer opening as well.
“We’ve been approached many times about franchising the concept, but we didn’t feel the time was right until now,” said Thompson. “We’re also being very picky about prospective franchisees. We are after all, trusting the brand in their hands. But we couldn’t be more pleased with our partner here in Longview.”
Longview native John Williams will own and operate the local restaurant. A 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry, most recently with McAlister’s Deli, Williams is well known in the local dining community.
“I’m very excited to be introducing Cajun Steamer to Longview,” said Williams. “I know the local restaurant landscape, and I have no doubt this town will love our food, our atmosphere and our genuine Cajun hospitality.”
Remodeling at the new location is expected to begin this month, with completion anticipated sometime in April. Cajun Steamer will serve lunch and dinner, and will offer a full bar and catering services. To view its full menu, visit www.CajunSteamer.com.
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