Crawfish in Orlando (Jacksonville: buying, college, live in)

[shanebilliot]

Hello, I am considering opening a crawfish place in Orlando. I was wondering if there would be enough crawfish eaters to support it. I currently live in Baton Rouge and have some places here. I want to try some cities in Florida to see if it takes off.

[Crane's Rooster]

There are currently a few who seem to do ok. There are none on the Northside as far as I know so that might be a good area with demand.

[shanebilliot]

Thanks. The only thing holding me back is the drive from my farm to Orlando. I have 2 places in Baton Rouge and we are voted the best every year.

[Crane's Rooster]

I have family in Baton Rouge and have had the pleasure of sampling the food there. If you bring that authentic flavor here you will almost certainly succeed. I apologize my first response was so brief but I was posting from my phone. To elaborate on my comments the three main places here, that I know of and frequent are, King Cajun that serves downtown. Locally owned by a Vietnamese family that relocated from LA, more mix of Cajun and Viet but very good, my favorite. New Orleans Cajun Seafood, also a Viet family that relocated from the bayou but more Cajun less mix style, located on the west side of town. And, Hot n Juicy which seems like a corporate chain. They serve the southside of town. There are also a few smaller shops here and there but these are the main three. So basically the Northside and Eastside, which all have huge populations have not crawfish spots that I know. You bring the right flavors and set up these areas I think you could do pretty well.

*Ohh yes and there are alot of people who love crawfish here. We usually order huge trays for birthdays, bbq's, gamedays, etc. The thing is no one here really knows how to boil them well. I've tried buying a huge bag of crawfish and doing it myself, it was ok but was missing that something. After King Cajun set up shop here and there prices were reasonable I gave up on even trying to boil myself. So yes there is a demand.

[scootieb]

Shanebilliot: My husband and I lived in NOLA for 5 and 7 years, respectively (Tulane + a few years). We are moving to the Orlando area this Summer. We would L-O-V-E a place like you are contemplating opening. Some of our college friends live in Orlando, too. We usually fly mudbugs in from LA and do it ourselves, but would like the chance to skip the labor! Best wishes and I'll keep an eye out for your place!

[shanebilliot]

Thank you for the replies. My places in Baton Rouge is LA Boilers. We will be bringing the same great crawfish. I will keep y'all updated. I have a brother in Jacksonville and he is begging me to open there first. I could open both at the same time.