Just in time for Mardi Gras, the southeast Valley will be getting a new destination for Southern eats such as crawfish, etouffee, and gumbo. On Saturday, February 14 a new restaurant called Creole Cajun Bistro, located at 5070 S. Gilbert Road in Chandler, will open its doors to the public.
The restaurant comes courtesy of husband and wife team Eric Rachal, a former real estate appraiser, and Jodi Haynes. This will be the couple's first experience owning a restaurant, though they formerly owned a catering business in southern California.
See also: Peixoto Coffee Brings Crop-to-Cup Brazilian Coffee to Chandler
Creole Cajun Bistro takes over the space formerly occupied by Cove Grill, which closed its doors in November. The new owners have done all the renovations to the space themselves.
Haynes says her husband has been cooking all his life and always wanted to open a restaurant. His father was Cajun and his mother was Creole, which means the restaurant will offer a blend of both types of cuisine, or what his wife describes as "Louisiana-style food." The menu will also include popular Southern dishes.
Initially, Haynes says they plan on being open for lunch and dinner, with hopes to add breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday down the line. The restaurant will also offer a full bar.
Creole Cajun Bistro's grand opening will take place on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include live music from 3 to 7 p.m. and a free glass of champagne for diners who also purchase an entree.
"We're excited to bring something new to the area," Haynes says. "I've always thought there has been a need for some home, scratch-made cooking."
For more information check the Creole Cajun Bistro Facebook and website.
Creole Cajun Bistro 5070 S. Gilbert Road #400, Chandler 855-248-7851
