Cajun Beach Boil & Sushi, the restaurant that opened along SR-A1A not even one year ago, has announced that it will be closing. The circumstances of the closure were unusual, and the restaurant was still announcing live music bookings within the last week.
The demise of the restaurant also marks the latest in a series of unfortunate events for tenants at 1112 S Ocean Shore Blvd dating back multiple years, despite a pleasing outdoor schematic and seemingly prime operating location.
A Strange Closure
The closure of the business was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page Wednesday morning, with the owners appearing to be just as confused as the dozens of commenters reacting to the news.
“Upon arriving at Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi this morning we were informed that one of the partners without notice to the other partner, the employees or vendors had begun the process of closing the restaurant!” the post said. “I want to thank all of the employees and loyal guest for believing in us through the struggles! If you’re a fan of our food we will return!”
Cajun Beach Boul and Sushi opened in August 2023, started by owners Patrick McKinny and Linda MacDonald. The pair were frequently seen working the bar and mingling with guests during business hours, with Patrick’s signature New Orleans Saints football cap a common sight for patrons. He in particular had operated over a dozen restaurants prior to this.
A Troubled Location
Prior to Cajun moving in, the location operated for years as Jimmy’s Hang Ten. That ended in 2021, when owner Jimmy Harris was arrested on three felony counts of lewd/lascivious molestation of his 14-year-old stepdaughter. He was later sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The girl’s mother and Harris’ wife, Jayne Harris, attempted to continue the business as Jayne’s Hang Ten for a short time thereafter. In November 2021 their business closed for good. Now, the closure of Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi leaves the beachfront restaurant again looking for an occupant.
TR
May 24, 2024 at 5:46 pm
Sounds like it’s bad decisions weather personal or business that are forcing the closures. Everyone has the right to live the dream of owning their own business. But it’s not always as easy as it seems. If it were, everyone would be doing it. i wish the owners good luck in their future endeavors.
Jim Cray
May 24, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Not surprised, went there once and sat at the bar. They were not busy and the bar tender barely made eye contact with us. Continued serving a couple regulars, after ten minutes and no acknowledgement we left. If this is how they served many customers no wonder they are bankrupt.
Steve Fraas
May 25, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Bring back a coffee shop like the Beanery. That worked. Everyone liked it.
K
May 27, 2024 at 10:40 pm
Fact: Hang Ten was successful… even though Jimmy is the surest breed of a disgusting human there is to mankind. I’m noting for the accuracy of “The Troubled Location” this article states to clarify with a simple truth: this location has been a couple/few other beach bars before Cajun Beach after Hang Ten. And apparently, it was cursed before the success Hang Ten had.
Opinion: it’s all about how you treat other humans with kindness and gratitude… guest service, quality food & community affordability, consistency, the ability having gracious owners & partners, along with staff to please guests ~ and staff being paid accordingly for there valuable time and efforts. Nobody that I know feels comfortable when a new establishment comes barreling into a new town bragging ~ in a putting numerous established local businesses down during their brief journey. I do believe, Cajun Beach struggled with most aspects fore mentioned and this was/is CB’s demise.
Personally, I wish the next owner, no matter the business, upmost success!