Arguably, if it’s one type of cuisine Columbus could eat more of is Creole/Cajun fare. Traditionally savory and spicy, real Louisiana-based food is flavorful, comforting, and affordable.
And it’s the main reason why Yats Cajun Creole is expanding to Columbus. The franchise began in Indianapolis, but has quickly spread to 12 locations across the region. It’s fast-food-meets-slow-love, and it’s one thing the city craves.
Yats will open in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood, just north of Grandview Heights, at 1386 Grandview Avenue (in the former Orange Leaf Yogurt location). Their menu will resemble the ones at other restaurants, and includes traditional offerings like Gumbo and Drunken Chicken, and riffs on tradition, like Thai Peanut Etoufée, and Red, White & Black Chili.
Meals at Yats Grandview will also be similar in price to other branches, meaning that, on average, guests will pay about $6-$7 for lunch (Yats only sells by the half or whole order). There will also be several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
The 1,700 square feet eatery will seat about 50 at a time, and the owners hope to offer a selection of draft beers to include New Orleans labels, good ole fashioned PBR for the masses, and reasonably priced wines.
Their hours of operation will be Sunday-Saturday, 11am – 9pm, with potentially later hours on weekend nights. There’s a big grand opening party in the works, so locals should be aware.
“Columbus is a great, vital city and we hope to be a part of its growth,” shares Regina Vuskovich, President of Yats Inc. “The neighborhood vibe coupled with many local businesses close by reminded us of our first location. We feel like we are in a good place to expand our market.”
Yats Cajun Creole hopes to open at least three locations in the Columbus market, the first one to launch in a matter of weeks. For more on the opening, and to check out their menu, visit www.yatscajuncreole.com.