Anticipation for the opening of Zita Kramer's new restaurant, Crawdaddy's, has been high.
"We've had a lot of interest from students, faculty and other people in the Village who've been waiting for us to open," said Kramer, manager of Crawdaddy's Cajun restaurant. "We know that it's going to do really well, because it's the only restaurant of its kind around here."
Crawdaddy's features a concept similar to Creole Kid, a restaurant previously in the Village. Myles Ogea, owner of Crawdaddy's, said the restaurant will have a "Cajun, rice and beans" style.
Charlie's Library, Mugley's, The Chug and other bars are prominent in the Village. Ogea said the restaurant will have a family-friendly feel to it, and that he likes the balance it will provide.
"We need more restaurants in the Village," he said. "We need more reasons for people to come here besides just bars. It'll be nice if people of all ages and families can come here too."
The colored tiles of TJ's Great Burgers, the previous restaurant at the location, have been removed from the floor, exposing the wooden base beneath. Speakers mounted near the ceiling provide blues and jazz music in order to fit with the overall theme, Kramer said.
"We're going to keep it as Southern as it can get here," Kramer said. "We've spent a lot of time getting it done the way we wanted to. I think it really looks nice."
Crawdaddy's and Creole Kid share similar themes, so comparison between the two restaurants is likely. Kramer said that she's confident in the new restaurant being able to surpass its predecessor.
"I think [Crawdaddy's] will do a lot better," Kramer said. "More people are aware of the food here, and they've been begging for it."
Crawdaddy's opened Wednesday evening and today will be its first full day of business. Crawdaddy's will probably take part in downtown events such as Muncie Gras or the Taste of Muncie during the months to come, Kramer said. She said she hopes for the business to last and that the restaurant will get regular, familiar customers coming through.
"It's hard to make a plate for someone you don't know," she said.
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