Experience the flavors of authentic Cajun dishes, made fresh-to-order at Tempe’s newest restaurant, VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen. The restaurant’s official grand opening is Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m. That day, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Tempe Diablos, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit. The civic organization’s mission is to enhance and promote the community of Tempe. Last year, Tempe Diablos donated $900,000 to Tempe-area charities including funding student scholarships, teachers’ awards and underwriting need-based services. VooDoo Daddy’s is located at 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106 in Tempe, Ariz. The fast-casual restaurant sits in the Costco Plaza Center on the south side of Elliot Road between Priest and Hardy Drives.
“We are excited about our location and have really put a lot of work into this menu,” says owner and founder, Ron Lynch. “If there’s one thing to know about Cajun food it’s that the dishes have to be just right. Our patio will be a place for families to people watch, sip some custom blended ice teas, porch wines, nitro cold brew coffee or a craft beer and enjoy a nice bowl of gumbo or jambalaya.”
Lynch is no stranger to the restaurant scene. In 2005 he acquired the intellectual rights to the Tilted Kilt concept and began to develop restaurants. In early 2006 there was just one location outside of Vegas, which Lynch never owned. At its peak, before Lynch left, Tilted Kilt had more than 100 restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2012, while Lynch was still with Tilted Kilt, he filmed an episode with national TV show, Undercover Boss. One of the cooks featured in the show with him, James Heyl, has continued to work with Lynch at VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen. Lynch has more than 25 years of restaurant experience including opening more than 100 Schlotzsky’s Delis in multiple states.
“The recipe for a great restaurant is incredible food and drinks, a perfect location and rich atmosphere,” says Lynch. “VooDoo Daddy’s has all of that and more. We couldn’t be more excited for this launch.”
The 3,150-square-foot restaurant includes an expansive corner patio that surrounds the exterior with lush trees, black and white striped umbrellas and red seating. Bright yellow paint adorns the entrance with the restaurant’s name written in bold red lettering on the outside. Dark wood flooring and brick walls cover the inside with plenty of spacious seating for friends and families. Guests can walk up to the welcoming food counter and place their orders. Seating is available in the main dining area or one of the high tops at the counter. Brightly colored murals decorate the interior walls with images of late night jazz players dancing on piano keys. Dishes include savory rich jambalaya, gumbo and pan roasts straight from the kitchen’s steam kettles, along with red beans and rice and rustic po’boys from the carving station. Refreshing custom blended ice teas, porch wines, nitro cold brew coffee and craft beers will all be available to wash down the Cajun food.
VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen is located at 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106, in Tempe, Ariz. The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
