Domingue has guided the restaurant through two expansions during its 18 years on upper Pier Avenue, all the while priding himself on critically acclaimed food, an informal atmosphere and family-friendly tradition. But at the end of the summer he will be pulling up stakes. Building owner Chris Bredesen Sr. plans to turn the space over to his son to launch a new eatery, Town Hall Gastropub.
Bredesen said he regrets the ill feeling and understands Domingue’s anger, but he decided to end Ragin Cajun’s run at the location at a time when the lease was ending and Bredesen’s son wanted to launch a restaurant.
Domingue’s four-year lease expired in May. The Bredesens described the summer extension as a courtesy to Domingue, who said, in essence, thanks a lot for very little.
“I came here from Louisiana with nothing. Nothing. I built me an empire, and now this guy is taking it away from me,” Domingue said of his landlord.
Domingue said he made improvements, including paving a parking lot and adding handicap-accessible elements, and said he was led to believe he would not be asked to go until he was ready.
He said the elder Bredesen “sat me down November of last year and told me ‘the place is yours, just tell me when you’re ready [to leave].’” Domingue said he told Bredesen he wanted to stay another three or four years.
“We don’t do anything like that,” Bredesen said of the November conversation.
He declined to get into the details of the conversation, but he said, “The bottom line is that Steve has done a great job, his lease was up May 31, he knew it was up, and we had other plans for the real estate.
“It’s a very difficult situation because he’s a very nice man, and he runs a nice business…I’ve owned the real estate for long time – it’s family first, right?”
Domingue said he got word of his looming departure in a February phone call from the younger Bredesen, who left a voice mail that was heard by many of Domingue’s 12 employees.
Domingue said he called his landlord.
“I told him I’m going to deal with you, not your son,” Domingue said. “You’re on my lease, not your son.”
The younger Bredesen said he left the voice mail to make the offer for Domingue to stay put through the summer, three months after the lease’s expiration, to make some more money and “end on a high note.”
“Look at all this construction,” said Domingue, referring to the ongoing makeover of upper Pier Avenue outside his front door. “You think I’m going to make any money? That’s crazy.”
The younger Bredesen said Domingue waited more than a month past a renewal deadline without asking to renew his lease, and then Bredesen approached his father for a lease of his own.
“He’s mad, and I understand that, but if you miss the date, you miss the date,” the younger Bredesen said.
Domingue said his lease had no renewal clause, so he did not miss a date to renew without a full renegotiation. His attorney, Matt Fragner, said a lease provided to him by Bredesen did not contain a renewal clause.
The younger Bredesen will be partners in the new restaurant with the owners of Union Cattle Company restaurant and Saint Rocke in Hermosa. Partner Alan Sanford, who will handle some marketing duties, declined to describe the new restaurant concept, saying he did not want to roll it out as a secondary piece of a contentious story about the future of Ragin Cajun.
Domingue came to California from Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked at Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse and at La Fonda, a locally well-known Mexican food restaurant.
“I took all that I had learned and brought it out here,” he said.
Domingue started up Ragin Cajun with four tables in a much smaller space, and then expanded once in 1992 and again in 1997, taking over the leases of a nail salon and a clothing cleaner. He secured a beer and wine license in conjunction with the second expansion. ER
this is really so sad…the cajun is so unique and become a landmark on pier avenue…there a a million restaurant’s going out of business so why not open his sons in one of those? the bottom line is we have enough bars and hamburgers in hermosa but there is only one ragin cajun…another spoiled kid in south bay…he’ll be out of business is six months like so many others. the cajun and stephen deserves better.
This is a joke. No matter where I go in the South Bay area, everyone knows exactly what I’m talking about when I talk about the Cajun. Great food & atmosphere. I’m sure Steven won’t have much of a problem finding a new location, but it’s a shame he has to. Especially after all he has done to enlarge & improve the current location. I guess I’ve eaten my last meal at that address.
I live just behind the Ragin’ Cajun and will be at every city hall meeting to ensure that this Gastropub doesn’t happen. Upper Pier only needs family friendly restaurants. A “Gastropub” doesn’t sound like it’s going to fit that bill. Sounds like we’ll just get more drunk LMU students walking down my street while my children are trying to sleep. Not acceptable.
You might as well let the Ragin Cajun stay, because the residents don’t want another Union Cattle- We already have one.
This is INFURIATING. I’ll tell you one thing: I will never ever ever set foot in Junior’s gastropub. Ever. The kid gets Daddy’s land giftwrapped, gets funding from Daddy’s buddies down the road, and in the process kicks out a local institution? Shame on you, Bredesens.
This is so sad! My family and I love the Ragin Cajun! We live in the Inland Empire…yet drive all the way into South Bay once a month…just to go to the Ragin Cajun! I can tell you, I will never make a drive like that to go to some place called a “Gastropub.” The Bredesen family is making a HUGE mistake with this one. It’s a no brainer….let the Ragin Cajun stay!!
I’m from lafayette, La and I travel to the LA area frequestly on business. I always visit and eat at the Ragin Cajun. Don’t worry Steve, your loyal customers will find you and support you. You will remain successful. There are alot of restaurants in that area and all over the country that spout off about serving true Cajun cuisine. Most don’t even come close. Steve’s food is about as close to home cooking as I can get without cooking it myself.
John
This is SO Shocking. This is a FAMILY restaurant, serving families! I have lived by the restauant ever since they opened, they are polite, and caring about their neighbors. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER BAR! Let this father give his spoiled kid something on the Plaza which is already filled with drunks! Isn’t “teaching” your child about living with others treating them to also be “fair”? This Chris person is stealing a business from hardworking people to “give” to his spoiled son, this is MAFIA! Trust me, I too will be at EVERY meeting as well NO ALCOHOL! I don’t care WHAT they are calling this new place it will NOT make it, and then this Chris person can sit with an empty restaurant, and BAD KARMA! Everyone who comes in to town in the Entertainment Industry makes their FIRST stop at the Ragin Cajun! This Chris person is taking away a landmark and lively hood of good hardworking people, SHAME ON YOU, SELFISH!
You’ve got to be kidding. You have a successful , unique restaurant and you want to move them out and open a generic chain restaurant! I’m from Lafayette, Louisiana and know many people from Acadiana that when they come to L.A they go to Ragin Cajun. One reason is for the unique food and to get a taste of home in California. They also stroll along the pier and shop after dining, so not only does Ragin Cajun miss out, but all of Hermosa Beach and other merchants will be missing out on sales. I will never step foot in this other restaurant and make sure to tell other freinds not to go either. It will fail within a 4 months, then you will ahve an empty building on Pier Avenue. Steve will succeed and find another place, I know him, he’s a Cajun. I Feel sad for the rest of Hermosa Beach!
What a total and complete bummer. Spoiled kids are ruining a landmark. Pier Ave. just gets lamer and lamer. This article ruined my day.
This is so par for the course in the new self centered South Bay. I’m not outraged or even surprised. Gentrification sure hurts.
I’ve been going to Steven’s establishment since it opened. It has always been full of friendly people and great food. Steven can be assured that I will frequent his new restaurant.
Ragin’ Cajun was the last popular place on Pier Avenue that was not full of tools.
I guess the silver lining is that I don’t have to go to Pier Avenue anymore and struggle to find the ever disappearing parking. I’ll be at the great gastropubs in Redondo; Bouzy and Hudson House.
BTW don’t look to the Hermosa City Council for any assistance, they are powerless in this situation. Although the ego driven councilmen will probably again find some way to inject themselves and look like fools.
I am so sad to hear the news. The Rajun Cajun has been a part of our community for a long time. The food is great. The atmosphere is happy. Please be sure to let us know where the Cajun is going. I will be following Stephen and his hometown hospitality. Good luck to the new restaurant. I’ll not be going that way again. I’m sorry for the other businesses in the area. They will surely suffer a loss of business because of this.
It may not be “family first.” Perhaps, it should be good people, good business, and customer loyalty first. Rajun has been a good, successful landmark for the south bay and that piece of real estate. Nepotism isn’t always right or beneficial–for anyone other than the parent and child/relative. You will be hurting a lot of people by ousting Rajun. And, despite what you may belive, it will not be outweighed by any benefit that you think a new place might provide. I assure you people still belive in and want a community place–and Rajun has been and is that place.
Ragin Cajun is a Hermosa Beach landmark. Every effort by every person of influence should be made to ensure that this landmark does not leave the city. The restaurant is a family friendly place owned by the most wonderful and kind people and it would truly be a shame, for Hermosa Beach, if it was needelessly lost.
Some thanks for 18 yrs worth of inflated rent, huh? makes you lose faith in handshakes and good old fashioned business relationships. who can you trust?
I cannot believe it! I was just there 3 weeks ago and had the best Cajun food ever. But more than that, Steve, Janeen and Mary were so warm, kind, cordial, friendly and hospitable to us. It was the best dining experience in a long, long time. There is no other Cajun restaurant like it. I hope the new location will not be hard to find and that you will not lose any of your clientele.
This is actually heartbreaking. The Ragin Cajun and its employees are like family. My husband and I have been eating there almost every Friday night since we started dating. Stephen, Jeannine, and their lovely waitresses have watched us date, get married, and very recently have a baby. They have ALWAYS made us feel welcome and special. The hospitality at the Cajun is incomparable and they take care of their customers with the utmost warmth and respect. There is no other! I am saddened by this and don’t think I can bring myself re-visit Pier Ave. without a certain level of disdain should they not find a spot on that street. Where they are is perfect. The owner is making a BAD business move.
What idiot in their right mind would ask a 19 year land mark to leave his shopping center for a START UP COMPANY? No wonder California is BROKE!
Stephen and Jeannine are two of the nicest people I have ever met. I can not believe this is happening to them. The Cajun is one of the Best restaurants around. It has been a place I always can depend on to have great food and a great atmosphere. The people doing forcing them to move are very selfish and I hope they feel guilty about what they are doing to the Domingues! Pier Ave won’t be the same with the close of the Cajun.
I do believe that Stephen and Chris Sr made a gentlemans agreement regarding the continued tenancy of ragin cajun on Pier ave. then sonny boy gets out of college and can’t find a job so he approaces other rest. owners for help with the tale of Stephen missing a deadline and not excercising his lease option and maybe telling them that Stephen was leaving on his own , which we all know is’nt true . my advise to these prospective partners is pull out now to keep yourselves from becoming a party to this injustice. and leave junior to his own devices ! When all is said and done, out of all the players the only real man is Stephen.
Why would a real estate investor throw out a quality tenant to enable a family member to open another “boring” eatery that is not needed, won’t be supported, and quite simply won’t survive in this economy? Mr. Bredesen is a fool! But Hermosa Beach’s loss can be Manhattan Beach’s gain. Stephen please consider moving your great food, great staff and family-freindly Rajun Cajun to Manhattan Beach. We are a much more business-friendly community. You will attract many more MB clientele simply because they won’t fear having to venture down to Hermosa to deal with the drunks, lack of parking and police/parking enforcement officials with attitudes. You would be welcomed with open arms by citizens such as myself!
I think I might actually cry!!! I live 6 hours north of Hermosa, and every time I make the trip down Rajin is the highlight returant that MUST be visited!!!! Nobody needs another CHAIN, why is it so hard for unique independents to stay in business? The resturant business is becoming like any other business factor where the Big Bad “Wall Mart” comes in and ruins every little guy in town!!! Ragin Cajun is an icon resturant and should NOT be touched!!!! Good Luck Stephen, I hope to find you open somewhere on my next visit!!!
This is very sad. I certainly understand that the building is Bredesen’s to lease to who he wants, but you just do not treat people — let alone longstanding local businessmen — that way. Forcing the closure of a local landmark is not the way to start your own business on good terms. It makes sense that the new place’s marketing partner has no interest in marketing it right now because they will forever be known as the joint belonging to the spoiled kid who ran a great local one-of-a-kind restaurant out so he can make sure Hermosa residents can somehow find a yet another place to buy yet another beer. I suspect I will muddle through without this beer outlet, because I will encourage everyone I speak to to avoid their new place like the plague.
The Ragin Cajun has been one of the most popular places in the South Bay to year for many years. I can’t believe that the owner would do that. I feel really bad for Steve and wish we could do something. I know one thing for sure, I will never eat at the new place, NEVER!! In fact, I hope it is a dismal failure.
Thanks, Steve, for many years of great food.
I’ve been a regular customer of the Cajun for over 13 years; going down to hermosa every wed for lunch and friday night for dinner. In my mind its a “cultural landmark”. The way Steve and his family run the resturaunt and treat their customers is what keeps me coming back. If they cannot work a deal with their landlord, I will follow Steve and the Cajun to where ever they end up moving to. While its up to the property owner to determine who he will lease the location to, I cannot see the wisdom of trying to open a new resturaunt (with a crappy name by the way) in the place of an established, successful operation while the economy is in the dumper. If Steve is forced to move, hopefully he can find a better location with better parking to boot.
They say that “change is good.” Well in this instance, I cannot agree. The new developments and facelifts going on in Hermosa Beach take away from the character of Pier Avenue and what it is has been since inception. I’ve been frequenting the beach city for almost 30 years. It is the small quaint family owned establishments that draws so many back week after week.
Ragin Cajun is one of those establishments. I have been going there for over 11 years and Steve, Jeannine and Miss Mary are like family to me, my family and my friends. It is a place where I make it a must go whenever I have visitors in Los Angeles. It would be such a loss to Hermosa Beach if the Ragin Cajun were to leave. I guarantee, that whatever goes up in it’s place will never see any of the faithful customers that are loyal to Steve and his family.
Praying that minds will be changed and Daddy’s little boy will reconsider and reverse the process. I don’t know all the particulars but I will say that if things are not done in good faith… Bredesen family, you will reap what you sow.
I don’t see any reason to venture to Hermosa Beach if the Ragin Cajun is forced to find a new location. If that happens, that is where I’ll be taking my people and my money.
Ragin Cajun is a Hermosa Beach institution. I have many out-of-state customers in my business who make it a point to come to Ragin Cajun (not the Pier Avenue bars) because of their legendary food and fun yet relaxed environment. Hermosa Beach will lose a vital counter-weight to the noisy, raucous Pier Avenue bars, and take big another step away from a town where families want to raise their children.
I can’t believe the landlord is doing this to Cajun. It’s so sad. I eat there with my family after I’m in a POPS show. It’s tradition. This landlord guy is hurting families. Not just people that work at Cajun — but all of us that love to go there. I’m very upset about this news. I wish somebody could do something about it. I don’t think this is a very good idea, Landlord. Quit hurting families and everybody that loves Cajun. I know you want your son to be happy, but what about all the other people your decision affects? I hope you think about this. You are not making the right decision to do this. Not only does this hurt other people, but it hurts me. And I’m eight. And that’s just not right.
Over 90% failure rate of new restaurants and now we may have to say goodbye to a Great One that we already have???
So Sad…
Sounds like the partners of the landlord’s son have been eying the Ragin Cajun location, making plans with the landlord’s son to take over the spot Stephen worked so hard on. Could the son’s contribution be a break on the rent?? Hmmmmmm? Since they own it and will do what they want to the Cajuns and converted Cajuns who enjoy Stephen’s food, why don’t they name the new restaurant, BP OIL???
Sour grapes! It sounds like the Bredesens offered Domingue extra time beyond his lease, which is more than he owed him. Stephen should have renegotiated a new lease at least a year in advance—either he was playing chicken or was simply non-committal. His loss, and ours. I do love the food and will follow them wherever they go next but it’s too late to be a crybaby about it. This is the way capitalism works; put up or shut up.
Just one more good reason to never visit Hermosa Beach ever again.
Rajin Cajun is the only restaurant my husband and I take our two children to, in Hermosa Beach! It is the only restaurant there, that selflessly caters to our kids: there is a play yard that Jeannine set up out back for the children to play, while the adults dine and share laughs with the friendly staff! Besides the welcoming of families, Rajin Cajun is the only restaurant with authenticity along Pier Avenue. It is absurd that anyone would remove it, only to replace it with a Gastropub that will end up closing down, I’m certain. Stephen and Jeannine have worked so hard during the past 18 years to not only expand, but secure the restaurant’s services. The landlord needs to reward this family by letting Rajin Cajun stay exactly where it is on Pier Avenue. Please find another location for the Gastropub, and let Rajin Cajun flourish with their well know friendliness and flare!
To the Bredesens: I’ve enjoyed patronizing Stephen’s restaurant for 12 years now. Yes, the property is yours – indeed you’re free to do with it as you please.
In reading the article, I couldn’t help but notice an incongruity regarding the situation. Quoting the elder Bredesens: “…{I} decided to end Ragin Cajun’s run at the location at a time when the lease was ending and Bredesen’s son wanted to launch a restaurant.” “The bottom line is that Steve has done a great job, his lease was up May 31, he knew it was up, and we had other plans for the real estate.”
Quote from the younger Bredesen: “…Domingue waited more than a month past a renewal deadline without asking to renew his lease”, and then Bredesen approached his father for a lease of his own.
Well which is it guys?
“It’s a very difficult situation because he’s a very nice man, and he runs a nice business…I’ve owned the real estate for long time – it’s family first, right?”
Reminds me of the old adage of blood running thicker than water. Guess blood runs thicker than intregrity also, huh?
I wish the Bredesens luck with their new venture. Steve, I’m going wherever you go!
My wife and I just left there about 30 minutes ago, after reading the assinine comments from Stacy (see immediately above). What does she know? We are terribly upset about this situation. Our prayers are that you find another location pronto and make this shitty situation into a “win”. We love you and the cajun magic that is created in your kitchen. There is no way to put an end to that! As they say, “one monkey (landlord) don’t stop no show”. Look forward to see ya many times between now and the end of the summer. Peace out.
Hey Stacy Wilson,
You have no idea you are talking about. What you are saying is complete conjecture. You come off sounding like a hack. Capitolism/business is about making money. This is nepotism.
It’s a dice roll to see if “Town Hall” flys.
Chris Bredesen Sr. is foolish if he is not hedging his bet by getting much more in monthly rent and plenty of property improvements. The guys from Union Cattle did the same thing at the Pitcherhouse. They put millions into Saint Rocke.
We are so sad to hear about Ragin Cajun! It is an absolute favorite of ours and we drive the 20+ miles to enjoy the great atmosphere, friendly people, and of course the outstanding food. Our trip there for Father’s Day was once again a wonderful visit. Stephen is the friendliest, kindest man and always treats us like we’re part of the family. You can’t find places like this anymore. We really hope and pray the landlord will reconsider and think about how much Ragin Cajun is a part of Hermosa Beach and what a favorite it is to so many people. Even if Ragin Cajun goes… we will be sure to follow! We love ya Stephen and we think you are amazing!!!
The Union Cattle folks are really shooting themselves in the foot with this move. It would make much more sense for them to open this gastropub of their in a commercial space that is not already occupied by a successful family owned small business that the community loves and enjoys.
Why not proove to the community that you are not just here to make a buck but that you care about making Hermosa Beach a thriving community? I wonder why they don’t just use the former space of Ken and Kent’s Deli that’s been sitting empty for months on Hermosa Avenue.
Words can not describe how pethetic Mr. Bredesen is as a landlord and a buisness man. You have a landmark resturant that has served pier ave.for the past 20yrs with true cajun culture (everything from the food to the hospitality) and just TRY to take it away in the blink of an eye. The Cajun will be sucessful no matter where it is located because it has loyal customers that are treated like customers not a number. EVERYONE BOYCOTT TOWN HALL GASTROPUB!!!
Wonderful – another icon restaurant falling to the yuppie “trend de juor”, which might last what – 2 years at the most.
Will the gastropub serve Gellato – oh, I forgot, that moth in the candle food already came and went.
Where in the South Bay can you go where you are greeted with “Hi Miss Karen, How y’all doin? Make ya self ta home.”
And I do “make myself ta home.” Stephen Domingue created a place that always feels like you have come HOME for dinner. Can we find a way to keep our home in Hermosa? I do’nt want a fake new bistro to replace the Ragin Cajun and the people who count on it to always be there.
Sad to hear the Cajun has to move. It was a pleasure meeting them during my assignment for the above photograph years ago.
FAMILY FIRST…if it was your family and you owned this multi-million dollar property at the beach…each and every one of you would do the same exact thing. quit whining and be for real. FAMILY ALWAYS COMES FIRST. And the OWNER of the property gets to dictate what is done with the property.
The Ragin Cajun has the best crawfish etouffe’ in Los Angeles county and I am going to be lost without Steve’s delicious cajun food. My dad, Paul Mouton, grew up in Lafayette and knew Steve’s mom and family and I’ve felt a connection with Louisiana and my roots in New Orleans whenever my wife and I go to the Rajun Cajun for a few Dixie beers and his great Cajun atmosphere.
A better business decision for the property owners would be to give Steve a renewal on his lease (which is a known, constant income)for the property owner and to use the current lease income to start the gastro pub (which is unknown and an unproven income) at a different location so that if the gastro pub is unsuccessful, they still have the Ragin Cajun’s lease income, with no down time, to keep an income stream, rather than the lost time and income of changing owners, waiting for health and building inspectors,etc and losing tens of thousands of dollars in income while waiting to fill the location and get final building permits, alcohol license and health inspection approval
It is a huge gamble and a real disservice to the Cajun community and Southern California to lose this fantastic landmark. Wherever Steve goes I will follow his restaurant to keep getting the tasty Rajun Cajun crawfish etouffe’ and his cheesecake with praline sauce.
Steve, please keep all of your Cajun Fans posted with your plans. Le bon temps roullet! Whatever happens, you will make it better, because you are the best!
I moved to the Hermosa in 1992 when pier still went to the pier, there were empty storefronts, and more crime. They redeveloped closing off the last block of pier and all the rents were raised. fat Face Fenner had to move. Pier 52 closes. Henneseys moved to end spot. Many changes. It sucked we were pissed at most of them Crappy clubs opened. Club sushi polluted the beach/surfer/punker atmostphere. Jocks came to party and fight and things were just different. Well there always be change. And this sucks. Some close friends waitressed there in the 90s and Stephen and he really overcame a lot to make it. He is a solid guy and I hope this leads to something better for him.
It’s a shame to see Ragin Cajun leave their spot on Pier Avenue. That said, I look forward to
knowing where they will open next. People will drive wherever to get their food, so I hope they
find a better space, with better parking. I wish them continued success!
It’s true that business is business, but this doesn’t sound like a good business decision based on
the article. It sounds like an emotional decision that was made by the land owner. Rarely do emotional business decisions turn out well.
I like Bouzy Gastropub in SRB, so I doubt I’ll be frequenting the new pub where Ragin Cajun is.
Just curious, how typical is a four year lease in the restaurant business? That term seems rather short.
FOR A SCAMMY, GREEDY LANDLORD A FOUR YEAR LEASE IS NORMAL ALONG WITH A PROMISE THAT YOU CAN STAY AS LONG AS YOU WANT WHICH WAS BELIEVED BY STEPHEN , WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A WHOPPER OF A LIE , STEPHEN SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING SINCE HIS LANDLORD OWNS A BUNCH OF BURGER KINGS,HIS LANDLORD SHOULD GIVE HIS SON A BURGER KING AND TELL HIM TO HOLD HIS OWN PICKLE !
Hey Janice Brown,
You have no idea you are talking about. What you are saying is complete conjecture. You come off sounding like a hack. Capitolism/business is about making money. This is nepotism.
For every successful family empire there is a family that has squaundered their wealth. For example, the Mondovi’s, the undisputed first family of winemaking in California, all pissed away in two years after Robert Mondovi gives up control. Family first, give me a break.
keep this up, the closing of unique places and your city will end up like Torrance with mostly chain restaurants. shame
OK ENOUGH!!!
Time for action!
Yes, we all know that Ragin Cajun MUST stay in Hermosa.
Hermosa Beach residents get mad, get off your duffs, organize, be or get media savvy…basically make a big stink.
You owe it to yourselves, your families, and the world of great food lovers. Good luck!
People seem really upset about this…Not sure if it’s purely locals or people that just like Cajun food? Personally, I have lived in the South Bay for almost 30 years…my family and friends have been embedded in the South Bay for over 40 years…And I don’t know many people that eat here…
Doesn’t Bredesen own the land? Wasn’t this a quote…”Domingue waited more than a month past a renewal deadline without asking to renew his lease, and then Bredesen approached his father for a lease of his own.” Oh and I also noticed that he wanted a lease for 3-4 years…pretty sure when you want to renew a restaurant lease you ask for 10+ years…for the very reason of this happening…
Maybe it’s his land and he wants to improve the value of the land by upgrading it…or maybe he wants to give it to a family member. Either way, at the end of the day it does suck that this long time restaurant is leaving…
Also I read a comment that LMU students are drunk around the Hermosa area…wow really? Come on I went there…we don’t venture to HB…it might be the high density of post grad students living the rental units that surround…um all of Hermosa…What did you expect when you moved to Hermosa?
But then again maybe I am bias because I don’t work in the corporate world and am taking over my family business…in the corporate Torrance…blood runs thicker than water and they own the land…end of story
No worries Steven… there’s only ONE Ragin’ Cajun and your loyal customer base will find you wherever you go! Remember when God closes a door he open a window! Don’t just survive – THRIVE.
Mey Cher’ don’t worry no! When God closes the door he opens a window. You won’t just survive you will THRIVE!
It’s a sad day when a great place like the Ragin Cajun has to move. They serve great food, the owner and staff always made you feel like part of the family.
Dear Jeannine and Stephen, We are so sad to hear the news. The Rajun Cajun has been a great part of the community for a long time. The atmosphere is warm, the service is friendly and the food is excellent. It offers hometown hospitably that is difficult to come by. We have shared many fun times at the Cajun and it will be greatly missed. We are hopeful the Rajun Cajun will find a new home close by so that we can continue great Cajun memories with y’all. We wish you all the best and we know whatever happens you will succeed in all you do.
Sincerely~ The Meyer Family
I am truly saddened by this, as Ragin Cajun has become my “home away from home”, the place I go to get my Cajun food fix, and noone else can compare! The ambience is perfectly Cajun, from Stevens good ole’ accent to Jeannine’s Southern charm. The food always hits the spot, and I am pretty sure hundreds of locals would agree…they will be missed 🙁
I can’t believe that Ragin Cajun is being forced out like this. We will follow Ragin Cajun wherever it goes and I WILL NEVER step foot in the spoiled son’s gastropub (does HB really need ANOTHER pub??) Ragin Cajun is a unique place, friendly with delicious food. Such a shame Mr. Bredesen is pathetic with his half-truths and excuses. Shame on him. So sad. So sad. But Rajin Cajun will prosper with its loyal following, wherever it goes. Now I will never need to go to Pier Ave again.
What a shame!!! Hey Mr. Bredesen, if you really want to be a “good family man” and father to your son, how about making him work like Steven did and build a company from the ground up, not on the back of a loyal tenant who has run a great and very respectable business for years and done nothing but improve your property value. Good luck with Junior continuing that tradition with his crappy “gastropub”.
I first started going to Steven’s in 1997 when my kids where 7 & 5…you couldn’t find a better family spot than the Ragin Cajun; we are still driving down from Ventura to eat there 13 years later. My son was a baseball fanatic, and Steven would always give him Dodger tickets to whatever home game he wanted to go to…doubt this will happen at Junior’s “nepotismpub” which I will very happily never set foot in.
This news is a real shame, virtually every restuarant on Pier that was there 13 years ago when we first started going to RC is GONE…what makes you think a “gastropub” will succeed?
This is not capitalism at work, or “taking care of family”, it is the very thing that has been destroying this country for the last 20 years…GREED, GREED, GREED…you can’t take your money with you Mr. Bredesen. My grandfather and father have always told me that a true man’s legacy is his integrity; that is the only thing in life that no one can take away from you…can you look yourself in the mirror everyday and say that your legacy will endure? Sad to say, doubtful…