Cajun Charlie’s Seafood Restaurant and Gift Shop

by Chaney Ferguson
The Times of SWLA



Clint and Linda Charlie, owners of Cajun Charlie’s have a rich
background in catering and restaurant management. Their
experience began in the 60s in New Orleans. Linda was involved
in catering and Clint worked at R&O’s restaurant when it was
still in the French Quarter. Since their beginning they’ve
managed a place in Eunice, owned a Po-boy shop, started a
catering hall for weddings, and owned a restaurant in Little
Rock, Arkansas.

“Every place we ever took on was closed or bankrupt and we
made a success out of them,” said Clint Charlie, looking back
on all their experiences. In 1988, they came home. “We took
this place over after it had been closed. We leased it for a
year and then bought it.”

Recipes from Momma
Cajun Charlie’s offers everything from Po-boys and salads, to
seafood gumbo, and steaks, for those family members who aren’t
seafood fans.

“Most people come in for the seafood gumbo. When we’re really
busy we may fix 150 gallons a week. Texas people love gumbo,”
said Clint Charlie. Since the restaurant is conveniently
located off I-10 the Charlies’ feed many hungry Texans and
other famished travelers.

Anyone who has ever eaten good Cajun food knows it’s hard to
turn down. So instead of eliminating food you love from your
diet Cajun Charlie’s now offers a tastier solution with their
heart healthy meals. A few years ago customers began to ask
for certain dishes to be grilled instead of fried, and those
requests have led to a yummy compromise.

This accommodation proves how much the Charlies’ value their
customer’s needs and health concerns. “We tailor our menu to
what customers want.”

Clint Charlie isn’t the only one who mans the kitchen when
things get busy. His son learned how to cook certain dishes
from his father and is now the manager. When Linda Charlie
isn’t in the office with the book work she can be found in the
kitchen whipping up family recipes like her momma’s homemade
cornbread dressing, broccoli and rice, and carrot soufflé.

Once your belly is full and you’re thinking about the next
meal, be sure to ask about the 5lb. box of their famous boudin
to take home with you. You can enjoy it all week.

Additions and Souvenirs
Boudin isn’t the only thing you can take home with you. Ten
years after opening the restaurant, Linda Charlie added a gift
shop.

Many local souvenirs from LSU coffee mugs and Louisiana themed
trinkets to cute stuffed animals testify to the Charlie’s
Louisiana pride. They carry a vast array of t-shirts,
postcards, and even Cajun Charlie’s brand seasonings, as well
as popular Cajun cookbooks. This is a great place to look for
those Cajun souvenirs you want to send to your out-of-state
friends and family members.

If you want a place to relax try the sport’s lounge they added
six months ago. It used to be the banquet room, but now many
can find solace and friendly conversation while enjoying a
game of pool, good food, and drinks.

It’s more than just a bar. The lounge offers a cozy atmosphere
for those who want to just listen to the jukebox or rest in
the overstuffed couch and chairs in front of the TV. Since the
restaurant is right next door to the Hampton Inn, the lounge
is a prime spot for hotel guests. “People come in to the
lounge and mull over the economy and just sit and talk,” said
Mr. Charlie.

Host an Event
Cajun Charlie’s is a convenient place to have business
meetings, family reunions, parties, and other fun activities.

Since the family has catering experience they know exactly
what your event needs. Your guests can take advantage of the
plentiful buffet, order from the menu or have a special
planned menu just for your event. The Mardi Gras room can seat
up to 50 people, so start planning.

Location and contact information
Cajun Charlie’s Seafood Restaurant and Gift Shop
202 Henning Drive
Sulphur, LA 70663
(337) 527-9044
Open Mon.-Sat. 10a.m.-10p.m.
Open Sun. 10a.m.-9p.m.
Sport’s Lounge
Open Tues.-Sat. 5p.m.-12a.m.