The Creole and Cajun brand exists under Hargett Hunter’s Cherry Bounce Hospitality umbrella
Cajun Steamer, a premier Cajun and Creole dining concept under Cherry Bounce Hospitality and Hargett Hunter, announced the appointment of Mike Turner as chief operating officer and president today. Turner’s extensive leadership experience and deep connection to Cajun culture will play a pivotal role as Cajun Steamer continues to grow and expand.
A native of Alabama who grew up in Louisiana, Turner possesses a deep understanding of the food and culture that Cajun Steamer embodies. With over 30 years in the food service industry, he has held several corporate and executive roles, overseeing operations, culinary initiatives, research and development, training, supply chain and beverage services.
Turner joins Cajun Steamer after serving as the senior vice president of supply chain and culinary at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux for the last 10 years In that role, he collaborated closely with Cherry Bounce Hospitality’s CEO, Scott Taylor, on various strategic initiatives. Prior to Walk-On’s, Turner spent 18 years with The Cheesecake Factory, where he held key positions in both domestic and international operations, including overseeing culinary operations in the Middle East.
“I am thrilled to join Cajun Steamer during this exciting time of growth,” said Turner. “Our culture, authentic food and overall experience separates us from our competition. I am so proud to be a part of Cherry Bounce Hospitality and the team at Cajun Steamer as we usher in a new and exciting era for Cajun Steamer.”
Turner’s career began in management at Piccadilly Restaurants, leading to his role as vice president of culinary and supply chain at Walk-On’s. His innovative approach has driven menu development and operational efficiencies, significantly enhancing overall food sales while maintaining cost controls. His list of accomplishments include being named to the Top 100 Most Influential Executives in 2022, taking home the Menu Masters Award in 2018 and serving as a board member of Global Culinary Innovators Association.
Scott Taylor expressed confidence in Turner’s leadership. “Mike brings an unparalleled depth of experience and a genuine passion for our brand. He has an extensive track record of driving results in culinary operations, menu development and more importantly understands and elevates the value of a strong culture of WINNING. His style of leadership is exactly the right fit for the organization as we look to elevate the Cajun Steamer experience and expand our reach.”
As Cajun Steamer prepares for its next chapter, Turner’s leadership will be instrumental in continuing the brand’s commitment to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
To learn more about Cherry Bounce Hospitality and Hargett Hunter’s brands and leadership, visit CherryBounceHospitality.com and HargettHunter.com.
Originally started as a roadside stand selling crawfish, Hoover, Alabama-based Cajun Steamer is renowned for its authentic Cajun cuisine and vibrant dining atmosphere, with seven locations throughout Alabama and Tennessee. With a menu featuring a blend of seafood, gumbo, poultry and Po’ boys, Cajun Steamer delivers flavorful dishes that celebrate the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Gulf Coast, bringing Bourbon Street to your backyard. For additional information, please visit CajunSteamer.com or follow along on Instagram.
Cherry Bounce Hospitality, focused on “Intentional Hospitality!” operates three restaurant concepts concentrated in the South and Southeast — Trudy’s Tex-Mex in Austin, Texas, Cajun Steamer in Alabama and Tennessee and Live.Eat.Surf in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Hargett Hunter — led by Founding Partner and Managing Director Jeff Brock — is an operationally focused private equity group investing exclusively in emerging restaurant brands. Having invested over $250 million in more than a dozen emerging concepts across the U.S., the partners have purposefully built the Hargett Hunter platform to address the common needs met by emerging restaurant chains as they scale. Established as a preferred partner for emerging brands with five to 50 units, Hargett Hunter’s dynamic team of highly respected industry leaders, service providers and platform partners is dedicated to driving value and mitigating common risks for the country’s premier emerging concepts.
