Huntersville, NC – September 10, 2018– American Asset Corporation (AAC), a major commercial real estate firm and developer of NorthCross Shopping Center, leased 3,339 SF to The Lost Cajun restaurant and the Galloways.
The Lost Cajun is bringing more than authentic Cajun flavors to Huntersville, NC this Fall. The restaurant also brings a unique, family-friendly fun and courteous atmosphere that is designed with traditional southern hospitality in mind. One visit is all it will take for you to fall in love with The Lost Cajun - the same way franchisees Steve and Rebecca Galloway did when they visited their first Lost Cajun restaurant a few years ago.
Originally from South Louisiana, the Galloways naturally have a soft spot for all things Cajun. They met while attending USL (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in the mid-1970s and working in local restaurants in the heart of Cajun country. It was during those early years that they learned to love the foods and southern hospitality that are the foundations of authentic Cajun culture. After graduating Steve and Rebecca married and started their family as Steve’s business management career progressed to include many notable restaurant brands in the US and abroad.
In late 2015 they sold their 25-store Dunkin Donuts franchise in Florida and moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and friends (Steve also owns 5 DDs in NC). Steve has known The Lost Cajun’s founder and CEO, Raymond Griffin, for many years and has visited many other Lost Cajun restaurants around the country. When he saw that the former Portrait Innovations space overlooking the fountain in the NorthCross Shopping Center was available it he knew it was an ideal location for his first restaurant. A successful restaurant business franchisee developer, Steve intends to open 5 - 10 more The Lost Cajun restaurants in the coming years throughout the western half of the state.
The flavorful food of The Lost Cajun speaks for itself. Authentic Cajun-family recipes feature rich gumbos and etouffees, mouth-watering fried catfish, shrimp and crawfish dishes, and tasty boudin balls and jambalaya. They also cook New Orleans-style red beans and rice (every day – not just on Mondays!), and piping hot, made to order “beignets,” those covered-in-powdered sugar, airy square shaped “can’t eat just one” donuts that originated in the French Quarter more than a hundred years ago.
But the authentic Cajun menu was not the only factor in the Galloways’ decision to become a part of this fast growing franchise. One of the core elements of The Lost Cajun experience is good old-fashioned manners. The staff truly understands the difference that “please”, “thank you” and “you’re welcome” can make in their interactions - not only as they serve customers but also as they work together. As Steve explains, “We expect our staff to treat others with “courtesy and respect” – like the ladies and gentlemen that they truly are. One of our younger team member’s mom recently said, ‘You taught my son kindness and manners in just one lunch training session! How did you do that?’ It’s the recognition that everyone is important and all are treated with courtesy and respect. Consistently living this value within our “Lost Cajun family” is what makes such a huge difference!”
Designs are underway and the extensive remodel project will start soon. Upon completion, their dining room will be like stepping into “a rustic Cajun fish camp mixed with a bit of New Orleans bistro,” Steve describes. The atmosphere is unique and a bit eclectic: “The Lost Cajun is just a fun place to be for our guests and staff alike. We have a chalk board for the kid’s artwork, Mardi Gras beads and a toe-tapping Zydeco playlist, and an alligator from the swamplands back home! Many guests also bring in some of their own favorite Louisiana / Mardi Gras / Cajun / fishing culture keepsakes to display along with our own decorations,” he explains. “I tell them we’re always glad to have it as, after all, this is yourCajun restaurant!”
The Lost Cajun will also operate a food truck serving some of their signature dishes throughout the area. So keep your eyes peeled and get ready to pass a good time with The Lost Cajuns - as they all say back in Louisiana, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
