Longtime Overton Square staple Bayou Bar & Grill is changing hands.
In a statement, the Cajun restaurant announced its acquisition by Memphis native Crosby Keltner, the former owner of iconic Nashville breakfast joint Pancake Pantry . Keltner, a longtime customer of Bayou, said he would honor the previous owners' legacy.
“Memphis has a rich culture and history, and the support this city has for its own is unmatched,” said Keltner in the statement. “There are people who currently dine at Bayou Bar & Grill who have been regulars since its inception. We’re committed to servicing our core community first and foremost, while making small but strategic enhancements to improve internal processes along with the overall consumer experience.”
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Keltner's 20-year experience in the industry includes stints at local restaurants like Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Company, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Folk’s Folly, as well as a decade-long tenure at Nashville restaurant Red Pony and five years at Pancake Pantry. To ensure a smooth transition, Keltner plans to partner with current managers Tyler Hamilton and Amara Jameson to improve Bayou's "culinary excellence, customer service and ambiance."
Founded in 1987 by Chef Michael Cahal, who trained under the chef of famous New Orleans restaurant K-Paul's, Bayou Bar & Grill has enjoyed 37 years of successful business cooking authentic Cajun cuisine. In 1994 it was purchased by Bill and Carla Baker, and in 2008, Bayou moved to 2094 Madison Ave., where it remains.
The restaurant's staples include everything you'd expect from a New Orleans-style eatery— po-boys, jambalaya, oysters, gumbo, etouffee, and red beans and rice.
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com .
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Bayou Bar & Grill
Address: 2094 Madison Ave., Memphis
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. every day
Online: bayoubarmemphis.com
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bayou Bar & Grill is changing hands. Here's who is taking over the Memphis restaurant.
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