Popular Western Kentucky Seafood & Cajun Market Has Announced It Will Close

It was almost exactly five years ago to the day when I started getting exciting about the possibility of a fresh seafood market coming to Owensboro. It wasn't random; it was because of this:

Fresh Seafood and Cajun Delicacies Arrive in Owensboro

Later that August, Bubba Gandy Seafood Cajun Market opened in Halifax Square in Owensboro, introducing our fair city to the kinds of fresh seafood we may have never had the opportunity to try before...I mean, outside of eating out at a restaurant.

Still, Bubba Gandy was unique in its offerings of a wide variety of ocean delicacies and promoting its wares with a fun atmosphere. Seriously, if you know owner Rhonda Pierce at all, you know she is as full of life as anyone you're likely to meet. Over the years, she has enthusiastically framed her specials around big "party" occasions like the Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl, and, of course, the main holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July.

I mean, who else would suggest ALLIGATOR as your main course on TURKEY Day? But, sure enough...

Nope, gator is not seafood, but it IS Cajun, and it counts. And it's amazing.

Bubba Gandy Seafood Cajun Market Announces It Will Close

Well, after more than four and a half years of providing that extra spark to a nightly meal or a weekend blowout, Rhonda has decided to close Bubba Gandy Seafood Cajun Market. She explained her reasons in this release:

We have come to the end of our contract and have decided not to renew. It has been a great adventure & we’ve certainly met lots of wonderful people along the way.  When we decided to open this market, we thought we were opening a store, but it has turned into more of a restaurant and that’s not the direction we are wanting to go. We appreciate your loyalty and generosity!

Additionally, Bubba Gandy will be selling its restaurant equipment; email bubbagsowensboro@gmail.com if you are interested.

Before Bubba Gandy, I'd never tried crab soup before. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about how delicious it is. Before Bubba Gandy, I'd never seen an actual "turducken"--a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey. It was the SECOND time I'd ever heard a seriously out-of-the-box suggestion for Thanksgiving--I spoke with someone once who actually served COUGAR meat for her family one time. I'll stick with the big reptile, thank you.

And of course, none of us who worked with her will forget Rhonda. But it's not like you'll never see her again. She's staying in town. And my best advice is to listen for the loudest laugh in the crowd...far and away.

That's probably going to be her.