CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – For the latest installment of the Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon sat down with Theresa Shea of Roux AmeriCajun Restaurant in Downtown Clarksville.
When Theresa and Greg Shea decided to move away from New Orleans they determined that downtown Clarksville was an ideal location for their New Orleans-style eatery called Roux.
Their arrival here came by way of Bowling Green, Ky. where the couple first opened a boutique tea and bakery shop that turned into a restaurant.
Faith played a big role in their decision to come to Clarksville.
“We really understand that we’re down here for a bigger purpose,” Shea said. “This really isn’t our shop, this is God’s shop. We’re just here to kind of do what’s necessary to be done.”
What better time to celebrate the Clarksville-New Orleans connection than during Mardi Gras with someone whose heart is clearly in both places?
Shea sat down with Charlie Koon and Katie Gambill to talk about Roux, her strong ties to The Big Easy and the delights of Fat Tuesday. (The interview was conducted before she went down to celebrate).
She explained how the move to Clarksville had a lot of support from the community.
Working through Two Rivers Company and with a little help from their local friends Felix Diaz and Blackhorse Pub owner Jeff Robinson, they bought the building on Franklin Street that is now the home for Roux.
There the Sheas have experienced the joy of introducing many Clarksvillians to what New Orleans flavor is all about.
“Our product was from New Orleans recipes but based in Bowling Green as far as we developed them. Here we’ve had to kind of add things or switch recipes just a little bit,” Shea said.
She said they take customers’ comments very seriously and are proud of Roux’s homemade fare, including special dressings and bread prepared every morning by their prep team.
Shea’s favorite Roux menu item is her husband’s char-grilled oysters, which are delivered to Roux straight from Louisiana.
Roux has recently introduced new and exciting menu items, including Meatloaf & Mash, Bayou Basil Pesto Pasta, and Bananas Foster Pain Perdue.
As warmer weather approaches, you’ll soon be able to enjoy all the delicious meals from Roux on the new patio on Strawberry Alley, which will accommodate up to 50 people.
Listen to the full Clarksville’s Conversation interview below for more details:
About Clarksville’s Conversation:
The Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, hosted by Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon on Clarksvillenow.com, gives you the opportunity to eavesdrop on interviews with leaders and innovators in Clarksville-Montgomery County who shape our community. Check back every Wednesday for new episodes.