Take this place off your list.

It means the owner won’t be in the kitchen (at one of the 2 locations) cooking/overseeing the quality of food and service !

CK – you certainly have a way of bringing down the room.

Haha. Does the owner HAVE to be in every kitchen for the food to taste good? That’s pretty ridiculous.
I doubt he’s always at the Live Oak store, anyway. I’ve been there many times and haven’t always seen him. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him.
Anyways, the two locations are close enough that he could drive back and forth and make sure the food is top notch to keep it on your list, CK.

I know…..sad but true…..one of the things I liked about AC was the fact that the owner/chef worked the place.

I try to patronize owner run businesses, especially restaurants.

Luke: you are free to go there..I just happen to think that places that are owner run are better than those that are not!

There’s truth in that, but there’s no sense in denying that with two locations, it’s still a local small business and a big, big coup for a great future for Casa Linda and the Garland Road/Avenue corridor in general. I think it’s harsh to say that one shouldn’t eat there because the owner can’t be in two places at once.

Looking forward to the great addition to Casa Linda. We need something new in the area.

I say “Yay” and can’t wait to eat their great cajun food so close to home. I love Alligator Cafe. Bring that funky atmosphere to Casa Linda Please!

Love them! Glad to have them within walking distance now

Ivan (and another famous food entrepreneur Abel Gonzales)is Woodrow class of ’88. So I always take time to say hi to him at The Alligator on Live Oak. He’s been there when I’ve been there…

Good evening gator fans,
Thought I’d chime in on the citizen Kane comment. One quality of a good chef is the ability to train his staff. If after seven years I still had to work the line then I would not be very good in my opinion. When I’m not catering for hundreds of people, answering blogs, doing payroll, designing a new restaurant. I still go into my kitchen everyday and make my spices, sauces, and specials. On top of that I ensure that my staff is doing the best job they can and that they are adhering to recipes, health standards, product rotation, cleanliness, and good service. For this Kane guy to tell you not to come means that he has never had a business, because that’s an awful thing to say. I respect and appreciate every entrepreneur from the guy selling cotton candy out of a little two wheel cart to the guy who built an empire. Because you have to start somewhere. I think after almost eight years I earned the right to move up in the world and I am more then capable of not only maintaining my standards but improving on them. This next restaurant will have the great food but were adding more music, service, drinks, and atmosphere. And I will see you at Casa Linda, live oak, or one of the many events I cater for. Thanks for the support my staff and I appreciate serving you everyday and for years to come. Peace and Alligators!!

Citizen Kane, This isn’t kitchen nightmares…. The food is ALWAYS consistent with or without Chef Ivan there. That is the sign of a good restauranteur.

CitizenKane certainly does not speak for the entire area. Don’t let the negative comments bring you down. I am thrilled to welcome Chef Pugh and the Alligator Cafe to Casa Linda. I know my friends and family are excited as well. I have dined at the Live Oak location on several occasions when the chef/owner has not been there and the staff was friendly and the food was great. I am sure we will see more of the same at the new location.

Thanks Chef!