‘Strangely Familiar’ Neighborhood Joint to Replace Lakeview’s Cava This Fall

This fall, a Baton Rouge-based restaurateur team will open a family-friendly, modern American restaurant in Lakeview’s former Cava space. Junior’s on Harrison is from Nick Hufft and Lon Marchand, New Orleans locals that run two eateries and a mobile creamery in Baton Rouge, the latter of which they plan to turn into an ice cream shop, also in Lakeview, later this year.

Hufft, a resident of Lakeview, says the pair jumped on the Cava space when it became available in the spring. The fine-dining restaurant from Danny Millan closed in April, ending its five-year run on Harrison Avenue. Millan decided to close to focus on his new concept, a more casual, sports bar-esque spot called Azul, expected before the end of the year.

Hufft and Marchand are billing Junior’s as a “strangely familiar neighborhood joint” with moderately-priced food like crab and corn fritters, ceviche, and steamed buns (with rock shrimp, bulgogi pork, or Szechuan chicken as fillings) as starters and entrees like an “elevated” chicken fried steak and boudin and barbecue platter. There’s also an intriguing-sounding plan for a boozie biscuit brunch on Sundays and a happy hour that will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Junior’s on Harrison, 789 Harrison Avenue, is projected to open in early fall. Check back with Eater for menu details, hours, and an inside look at the space.

• Lakeview’s Cava Has Closed, Owner Focusing on Upcoming Azul [ENOLA]