New Cajun concept from Ajian team opens in Tuscaloosa

Downtown Tuscaloosa is getting a spicy new neighbor. This Saturday, a fresh Cajun and Creole concept dubbed Cajian will officially open its doors, marking the third local venture from seasoned restaurateur Pete Zimmer.

A New Flavor Powered by Experience

Cajian is a counter-service eatery designed with inspiration from the Indianapolis-based Cajun chain Yats. It is the latest project from the team behind Ajian Sushi, the downtown hotspot co-owned by former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. To bring this vision to life, Zimmer collaborated with New Orleans-born food truck operator Paige Blankley.

Zimmer, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with 42 years of industry expertise, is no stranger to the local scene. His portfolio includes Ajian—which celebrates its ninth anniversary next week—and Daq Shack, which recently marked two years of business this past Wednesday.

Menu Highlights and Service

The restaurant will open at 10:30 a.m. at 2008 University Boulevard, Suite A, according to a recent Facebook announcement. Adopting a quick-casual model, customers can order at the counter and relax while their food is brought to them.

The menu is packed with authentic staples, including four scratch-made étouffées. Guests can enjoy Creole-style chicken and sausage gumbo with tomato and okra daily, or visit on the weekend to try the dark-roux Cajun seafood gumbo. Core menu favorites include po’boys and debris fries, while specialty nights will highlight jambalayas, shrimp and crawfish boils, and fried gator.

Drinks and Dietary Options

Cajian aims to cater to everyone with various vegetarian and low-carb dishes. Guests can also pick up loaded teas from a Louisiana company, available in 20 different varieties. While non-alcoholic beverages are ready to go, the team plans to expand the drink menu to include three flavored daiquiris, beer, wine, and a 'Lil’ Boozie' King Cake spiked milkshake as soon as the state liquor license is finalized.