The Thibodeaux-based Off The Hook seafood chain has been growing rapidly in the past couple of years, and the regional Cajun chain is planning to open its furthest west location at 101 Liberty Ave. in Lafayette this November. The company has filed a certificate of occupancy with the Lafayette Consolidated Government for the address, which used to be home to an all-day breakfast spot. Off The Hook currently has eight quick-service Louisiana locations stretching from Zachary in the north to Thibodeaux in the south. CEO Paxton Moreaux recently told What Now New Orleans that a passion for customer service has allowed his company to stand out in the crowded market.
“We really want to take care of people, even if it’s at the drive-through,” he said. “You know, a lot of places, like Popeyes or McDonald’s, it’s not the best experience, but people keep coming back for the food. We’re trying to elevate both.”
Moreaux also said that the company plans a significant expansion over the next decade, with the goal of opening four or five new locations every year. He said the primary focus will be on Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As the company expands, Moreaux said, it will look to partner with local non-profits in each community. Although he wouldn’t rule any organizations out, Moreaux said past work has focused on causes that dovetail with Off the Hook’s mission and brand identity.
“We’ve done a lot when it comes to coastal restoration and promoting Cajun-French heritage,” he said. “We’ve also done a lot with kids’ organization. We’ve tended to focus on local culture and family.”
