CEDAR PARK, Texas — Owners Shantrese and Steven Gillam know their bold flavors of food. After all, they were raised and cooked in New Orleans, Louisiana before evacuating and heading to Texas due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This past September, the couple opened a new restaurant in Cedar Park called “Cajun Skillet” and it’s filled with soul food.
Joined by their children, Troy Cooper and Kaila Gillam, they first operated a successful catering business in the area, starting in 2016. In 2018, they added a food truck and sold their tasty dishes all over Austin. Now as residents of Cedar Park, an opportunity arose for them to open a brick-and-mortar store, and they jumped at the chance.
“Having just a food truck wasn’t feasible in times of the coronavirus and its related shutdowns,” Shantrese said. “We were fortunate that this location is just a mile from where we live.”
“Seasoned and Cooked with LOVE” is their motto. Even their tiny granddaughter got involved. “Little Carlie likes to help out, too,” Shantrese said.
The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday each week, and is located at 251 N. Bell Blvd., #101. Online ordering is available through its website for pickup, with limited indoor seating, for now.
On the menu are traditional Cajun dishes: po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, seafood platters, desserts and more. Sunday Brunch dishes are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include magnolia omelette, French toast, shrimp and grits.
Cajun Skillet also still does catering for any type of event. Contact the owners at 512-243-5290.