We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keivan Cross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keivan below.

Keivan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At the heart of our mission is a desire to transport peoples taste buds to the vibrant and soulful world of Cajun cuisine. We are passionate about sharing the unique flavors and rich cultural heritage of our community with the world. For us, it’s not just about food – it’s about preserving a way of life and honoring traditions that have been passed down for generations.

While we are honored to have received recognition and accolades for our brand, what truly motivates us is the chance to connect with people through food. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new focus on content creation. With our platform, we can reach an even wider audience and share our favorite easy-to-prepare recipes, exclusive merchandise, and other product and special offerings that are unique to our community.

Keivan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi there, my name is Keivan Cross and I’m the chef and owner of NOLA Cajun and Creole. Our restaurant has been a beloved part of Los Angeles food scene, and we were thrilled to participate in one-year incubator program last year. During our time there, we received recognition from esteemed publications like Eater LA, Infatuation, and the LA Times. As much as I loved running our restaurant, we’ve now shifted our focus to a new project: @everything_cajun, our sub-brand dedicated to content creation.

Our mission is to share the flavors and culture of Cajun cuisine with the world, by providing easy-to-follow recipes, merchandise, and other authentic Cajun products.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of cooking and eating Cajun food. That’s why our content is designed to be accessible and easy to follow, even for those who are new to Cajun cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, we’ve got something for you!

We’re excited to continue building our community through @everything_cajun and sharing our passion for Cajun culture and cuisine with the world. So, stay tuned, and join us on this delicious journey!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that our reputation has been built on three core principles: authenticity, quality, and passion. I am passionate about what I do. I love sharing the culture and cuisine with our customers, and I believe that this passion shines through in every aspect of my business endeavors. From our friendly customer service to our beautifully presented dishes, we strived to create an unforgettable experience for every customer.

Ultimately, I believe that our commitment to authenticity, quality, and passion has helped us build a loyal following within our market. I am grateful for the support of our community, and I look forward to continuing to share the magic of Cajun and Creole cuisine with the world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I want to clarify that NOLA Cajun and Creole wasn’t just a side hustle for me, it was a true passion project. From a young age, I developed a love for Cajun cuisine while working at my aunt’s restaurant. I always knew that one day I wanted to open a restaurant of my own, and last year I was finally able to make that dream a reality.

However, as much as I love running a restaurant, I’ve come to a point in my life where I value my time with family and friends, and I want to achieve a better work-life balance. That’s why, for the time being, I’ve shifted my focus to content creation through @everything_cajun.

While we do plan to review and potentially reopen NOLA Cajun and Creole in the next couple of years, our current focus is solely on showcasing my passion for cooking through content creation. We’re excited to share easy-to-prepare Cajun-style recipes, merchandise, and other authentic Cajun products with a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nolacajuncreole.com
• Instagram: @everything_cajun
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nola-cajun-and-creole-los-angeles-3

Image Credits
@drselftape