Since moving to Memphis 12 years ago, Mason Jambon has been wanting to open an authentic Cajun restaurant. 

He’s missed the fare of his hometown of Gretna, Louisiana: Dishes such as seafood gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya and a true New Orleans-style po’boy.

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On Thursday, Dec. 12, his dream came true with the opening of Ragin’ Cajun Seafood and Po’Boys at 2740 Bartlett Road in Bartlett.

Jambon transformed a 106-seat building, which was most recently a Mexican restaurant, into a place that feels like a corner spot in the Big Easy. 

“The building reminded me of a million little restaurants in New Orleans,” he said. 

Since Jambon purchased it in July, the building has undergone an extensive renovation. 

Tables hand-painted with images such as alligators and murals from House of Blues artist Scott Guion add to the Cajun shack vibe. Signs from New Orleans-based folk artist Dr. Bob also grace the walls. And the bar front is made from Barq’s root beer crates.

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While the decor is fun, it’s the food that Jambon said is the star of the show.

“All our ingredients are authentic Louisiana,” Jambon said. “Our shrimp and oysters are from the Gulf. We are using Zatarain’s for our fried seafood. Our po’boy bread is from Leidenheimer (Baking Co.).”

Celebrity chef John Folse advised Jambon is on the restaurant’s recipes and the menu, which includes classics such as gumbo, fried boudin balls, crawfish etouffee and red beans and rice. 

The po’boy menu is extensive, with 10 options such as roast beef with gravy, fried shrimp and fried oyster. Jambon is also offering a selection of original po’boys such as cochon de lait, eggplant parmesan and BBQ shrimp.

Jambon predicts that his “Who Dat” fried catfish dish, in which fried catfish is topped with Louisiana crawfish etouffee over a bed of rice, will become a signature item. 

“It’s the best of two of my favorite dishes,” he said.

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Jambon said he chose Bartlett for the restaurant because it reminded him of his hometown. For those not familiar with Gretna, it’s a suburb of New Orleans, across the river on the West Bank.

“I wanted to create a little neighborhood restaurant you would find in New Orleans or Baton Rouge,” he said.

Jambon is also working on another project in Bartlett. Ramble on Summer is a two-acre concert and dining concept set to open in 2025.

Ragin’ Cajun Seafood & Po’Boys, located at 2740 Bartlett Road, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.