The Lost Cajun, the family-friendly restaurant concept with a focus on authentic Cajun food served with traditional Southern hospitality, is looking ahead to significant strategic growth in 2022. As evidence of its unique and flavorful meal offerings and its signature welcoming dining atmosphere, the brand has continued to grow during the pandemic with four new locations and will be debuting two more early this year, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and downtown Florence, SC. With these additions, diners will be able to experience The Lost Cajun in 26 locations throughout the U.S., with six to eight new openings annually planned in the years ahead.
A native of Barataria, LA, founder Raymond “Griff” Griffin opened the first location in Frisco, CO in 2010. For the previous 15 years, he and his late wife, Belinda, owned and operated Griffin Fishing Lodge in Louisiana. Following the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Gustav and a catastrophic oil spill, the two set off to the Rocky Mountain region where they sorely missed a place to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine. Despite having no restaurant experience, Griffin developed and opened The Lost Cajun, spending hours personally preparing gumbos, fried fish platters, and po’boys using 100-year-old recipes. That 850-square-foot space earned $300,000 in revenue in the first year and operates today under new ownership – Griffin’s own granddaughter.
Word spread quickly about this genuinely authentic and affordable Cajun cuisine shared in a lively and laid-back family environment, leading the company to debut its first franchise location in 2015. As The Lost Cajun has grown to nearly 26 locations since then, Griffin’s commitment to kindness, courtesy, and respect for all has remained a non-negotiable pillar.
“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. Following the devasting impact on my previous business due to natural and man-made disasters, I consider myself like a rising phoenix,” says 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.”
As each restaurant opens, The Lost Cajun is committed to ensuring the values of Cajun culture founded on courtesy and respect are shared and modeled by each of its employees. As part of The Lost Cajun’s commitment to the communities it serves, the company hosts the Be a Good Neighbor campaign every October throughout its locations, where a $1 is donated to a local charity for every gumbo ordered, with an additional $1 matched by corporate. In 2021, the campaign raised more than $14,000 during the month.
