Cajun Chain Finds New President, COO

Mike Turner, formerly of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, The Cheesecake Factory and Piccadilly Restaurants, is adding new flavor to his resume.

Turner was announced today, Sept. 23, as the new president and COO of the Creole and Cajun brand Cajun Steamer, a seven-unit concept operating under the Cherry Bounce Hospitality umbrella. Currently, Cajun Steamer is in Alabama and Tennessee, where it offers a menu featuring seafood, gumbo, poultry and po’boys.

Turner brings over 30 years of experience in foodservice—starting out as a manager at Piccadilly Restaurants—as well as a connection to Cajun culture as a native of Alabama who grew up in Louisiana. Professionally, he has held corporate and executive roles, overseeing operations, culinary initiatives, research and development, training, supply chain and beverage services.

Turner’s most recent role was as senior vice president of supply chain and culinary at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. In that position, he worked to combat issues like rising costs; true to his roots, he also proudly introduced a Cajun rib-eye po’boy to the Walk-On’s menu.

Before that, Turner spent 18 years with The Cheesecake Factory. There, he held positions in domestic and international operations, including overseeing culinary operations in the Middle East.

“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,” says Cherry Bounce Hospitality CEO Scott Taylor (the previous CEO of Walk-On’s). “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.”

Besides Cajun Steamer, Cherry Bounce Hospitality operates two restaurant concepts concentrated in the South and Southeast: Trudy’s Tex-Mex in Austin, Texas, and Live.Eat.Surf in Wilmington, N.C.