Swamp Daddy's is opening its new restaurant soon. Take a sneak peek inside, new menu items

Del'Inkka Beaudion, owner of Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen, poses for a photo inside her new restaurant at 421 N. Phillips Ave.
Del'Inkka Beaudion, owner of Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen, poses for a photo inside her new restaurant at 421 N. Phillips Ave.

Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen is taking the next step in the restaurant's evolution.

The business started as a food truck about seven years ago, gradually transitioning into an express-casual space inside the Jones421 building where owner Del'Inkka Beaudion and her employees have served Louisiana-style food from a 600-sqaure-foot kitchen for the past four years.

Now, Swamp Daddy's is expanding just down the hall in downtown Sioux Falls' Jones421 building into a fully-fledged dine-in restaurant and lounge covering nearly 3,000-square feet and a capacity for 80 people, Beaudion said.

"When I first wanted to look into owning a restaurant, this is what I first imagined," Beaudion said, adding that she needed to establish the Swamp Daddy's brand and flavor before diving into a full restaurant. "I wanted to ease into it, and that's what I've been able to do over the years to make sure I do it right."

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Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen is currently under construction ahead of its opening, which owner Del'Inkka Beaudion says will be in early February.
Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen is currently under construction ahead of its opening, which owner Del'Inkka Beaudion says will be in early February.

The restaurant temporarily closed starting Tuesday to focus on the move inside 421 N. Phillips Ave. Beaudion hopes to open half of the new restaurant space by early February.

The new space will still evoke New Orleans but will feature new murals from artists J-Kells Kreations. Three murals will capture the landscape of New Orleans as well as its art, culture and "whimsical vibe," Beaudion said.

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In addition to more seating, customers can also look forward to a new and expanded menu. Beaudion plans to bring back favorites such as beignets, etouffee and seafood boils. She'll roll out the menu in parts before fully transitioning, she added.

New Orleans blackened shrimp from Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen
New Orleans blackened shrimp from Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen

"With this expanded menu I think it's going to be nice for people to dive in and get more of that Louisiana flavor," Beaudion said.

The restaurant will also serve beer, wine, mixed drinks and daquiris in its bar and lounge. Beaudion does not have a concrete idea on when the bar will open, given several delays in construction and permitting.

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The new Swamp Daddy's kitchen will feature more space for employees to cook and prepare food.
The new Swamp Daddy's kitchen will feature more space for employees to cook and prepare food.

"I want this to be one of the new spots downtown where people can come eat some good food, get some good drinks and hang out," Beaudion said.

The move will also come with new hours, she added. The restaurant will be closed Sunday and Monday but open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Swamp Daddy's plans February opening for new downtown restaurant