Restaurant & Bar Celebrates Middletown Location, Thriving During Pandemic

Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood Boil and Bar in Middletown Township celebrated their first year in business Thursday evening.

The eatery on East Lincoln Highway at Veterans Highway in Middletown Township’s Levittown section held a ribbon cutting and dinner for local press and officials to mark the occasion. Their opening was subdued last year due to COVID-19.

Joe Olszewski, the regional general manager for the chain and a native of the area, said Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood Boil and Bar aims to create a family-friendly environment that appeals to seafood eaters and those who prefer other options. He noted the menu features something for everyone.

“We want to make it entertaining and fun,” Olszewski said, noting that you can have a fresh seafood dinner or just enjoy bar food if you want.

The restaurant took the place of the Great American Diner and Pub, which closed for good in 2019.

The interior of the restaurant and bar is completely revamped and features a welcoming modern design. The business can seat more than 250 customers in the dining room and bar.

Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood Boil and Bar CEO Leon Chen told LevittownNow.com the restaurant encourages in-person dining but also excels at takeout and delivered meals. He said the focus on takeout and deliveries, which take place through apps like Uber Eats, has helped the chain thrive during the pandemic.

“While take out has been strong since we first opened, it is so exciting to celebrate our anniversary and have guests come in to dine and share our food and cocktail experience,” Olszewski said.

The Middletown Township location was one of the first Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood Boil and Bar locations opened. Local partner Jacky Chen is leading the location.

The chain now has about 72 locations with plans to add more than 150 in the coming year or two.

Leon Chen said the goal is to keep opening locations. He predicts the company, which is using private investment to grow, will be publicly traded with in the next five years,

The CEO noted that locations, like the one Middletown Township, are doing strong business despite the pandemic.