This Beloved Seafood Chain Is Making a Comeback After Bankruptcy
The beloved family-friendly seafood chain The Lost Cajun is making a steady comeback after the pandemic pushed it into bankruptcy and forced it to close several locations.
In April of last year, the gumbo-and-seafood concept ended up filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reporting liabilities of more than $1.4 million and assets of about $338,000. While it operated two dozen locations across seven states, the chain's franchisees were experiencing major losses and announcing they may be forced to shutter their restaurants.
However, the chain has emerged from bankruptcy on December 7, and it's far from the end of the road for the regional darling and its fans. The company said it netted out without any restaurant losses during the pandemic. While it did permanently close three locations in Texas and one in Colorado, it also managed to open four locations across the two states and South Carolina.
And the chain has further growth in the works. Two more locations are scheduled to open early this year—one in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and one in downtown Florence, S.C.—which will bring the chain's tally to 26 restaurants in total. Additionally, the company has plans to continue growing with six to eight new locations a year, according to a spokesperson.
The chain started as a family affair, founded by Raymond "Griff" Griffin and wife Belinda in Colorado in 2010. The entrepreneurial couple used 100-year-old recipes for gumbos, fried fish platters, and po'boys to develop the chain's menu with a traditional Cajun flair. The first franchisee was onboarded in 2015.
"I never could have imagined that what started out as a fun idea to bring authentic Cajun food and culture to Colorado would grow into such a well-loved brand," said Griffin. "Thankfully, through the support of our corporate team, franchisees, and, most importantly, our guests, we have been able to navigate successfully through COVID-19. Today we are well poised for significant growth in 2022 and beyond."
For more, check out:
- This Bankrupt Pizza Chain Has Made a Major Comeback This Year
- This Major Pizza Chain Just Signed One of the Biggest Expansion Deals in History
- Despite Widespread Criticism, America's Largest Sandwich Chain Is Making a Comeback
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