J Gumbo's "New" Locations

I always loved Gumbo a go go on Frankfort. I tried the Highlands location several months after it opened and there was no comparison. The portions at the Highlands branch were half that at Frankfort. Since I live on the wrong side of town to go back to the Clifton area, I tried carry out from the franchise near Papa John's Stadium. Wished I had opened the container before leaving. I would have left it. There was little more than a child's portion in the huge carry out box. I actually had to go to another drive restaurant to fill out a meal. Sorry Mr. J. Gumbo, that was my last try.

We eat in and get carry out from the Central Station Gumbo's frequently and have never had a small portion or any other problems.

Inconsistencies . . .

SO are people still sticking with "the original is best"? I just went to the Lyndon location. I will try the Clifton one soon. I thought the Lyndon location was excellent. so I look forward to trying the other!

Just noticed that the Summit location opened. Has anybody tried it?

[Robin Garr]

SO are people still sticking with "the original is best"?

The original certainly stays excellent, Marie, because they cook there and serve it on the spot, and management is there.

Some of the branches have earned criticism for diminished service. But I would be reluctant to diss any specific branch without trying it. I think the J Gumbo guys are serious about spreading the brand, and chances are that they're working on problems like that as they scale up. I'd give Lyndon, the Summit, etc., a chance before assuming anything.

I had rice and beans one day and the rice unfortunately besides being the par-boil type was hard and crunchy. I did not enjoy it and left most of it on the plate. I probably will never go back.

Javier

I went to the new location at the summit this weekend and the food was just as good as at the original location. we had etoufee and drunken chicken. it was busy and the servers were very nice and cheerful.

For the average customer who is used to a certain thing at a certain location, I for one feel that the whole "J. Gumbos" franchise thing has several kinks to work out...The thing to understand is "Batch Cooking"

I mean really... How can you get an even distribution of what we in the business call "center of the plate items"(ie.... big chunks of chicken, sausage, crawdads or shrimp) when you are bagging up 40 gallons of hot bubbly drunken chicken or red beans and rice.

Most of the time, all of the good stuff will sink to the bottom of the steam jacket or big pot ...I don't care how good you think the roux is...gravity always wins!

I don't want to take any thing away from these fine folks(I totally love the food and the concept!!!!!) but I have the feeling that they didn't fully think everything through before they jumped into a multi-location operation.
It's funny how those perceived dollar signs can affect an good idea but perpetuate a bad operation....A recurring theme in this business!

Was at The Summit today and saw a sign for J.Gumbo's 'opening this fall" next to Starbucks.

Here's the news in today's C-J on line:
J. Gumbo's, a casual Louisiana Cajun restaurant, is now open in the Summit. It is in the former Marble Slab Creamery spot next to Starbucks.

It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, hours are noon to 8 p.m.

This is the seventh location for the Louisville-based chain, which first opened on Frankfort Avenue in 2005.

I have a friend who is looking to buy the rights to Dallas TX for J Gumbo's

I still feel that Gumbo a Go Go on Taylorsville Road has the best. Make sure to try the bread pudding, it is the best.

As a recently transplanted New Orleanian, and having optimistically eaten once each at the J. Gumbo's on Frankfort, Baxter, and 4SL, I'll put in my $.02 I would gauge their food this way:

1) Is it authentic Louisiana fare?

2) Is it at least good food?

Answer to 1) Heavens, no. There is apparently not even a roux used in the gumbo, etc because it tastes so top-heavy (no base and just lots of cheap hot sauce thrown in). I never had food that tasted like this in New Orleans or Acadiana.

Answer to 2) Heavens, no. See above plus that fact that it's poorly made. I'm sorry, but it's bad food for suckers.

I will never eat again at J. Gumbo's. The only thing it has going for it is that you can get Abita beer there and that they do play good Louisiana music. Otherwise, it gives gumbo, creole, and cajun a bad name.