For most of us, family, friends, fun, and food just go together; this is a winning combination that has inspired many successful culinary ventures. In the heart of the American South, LJ’z Backyard Bayou certainly embodies this spirit. It was not long ago that its owners discovered a void in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in their little corner of Alabama - a void they have since filled to the delight of the community.

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Located in the cozy unincorporated community of Harvest in the northwest corner of Madison County, LJ’z Backyard Bayou is a veteran-owned and operated catering and event company.

Though the journey to success has not always been easy, owners Larry and Wendy Johnson say that running this business “doesn’t feel like work because we love what we do.” Rooted in and inspired by family, LJ’z Backyard Bayou is about more than great food and it feels like a natural progression for these two dedicated individuals.

Larry Johnson grew up in a small Louisiana town where big cookouts with friends and family were a regular part of life. Looking back, he says “there’s something about cooking that brings everyone together and I believe that’s one of the many things I believe my ancestors got right.” His own passion for cooking began in college where again, food and fellowship went hand in hand.

In the years following, the Johnsons both served in the US Army and no matter where they were stationed, most weekends and holidays meant cookouts at home with their friends and fellow soldiers. They began receiving requests to cook for gatherings and military events... and word of mouth soon spread.

Retired from the military, and having dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur like his father, Johnson and his wife made the leap, finding a perfect property in the Alabama countryside to plant their business roots - a place that reminded them of home. The onset of the COVID pandemic threatened to derail the project as there was no call for catering, but undeterred, the Johnsons began serving lunch plates, advertising on social media, and again found their business fueled by word of mouth.

Operating on the weekends -- a fond reminder of family cookouts -- LJ’z Backyard Bayou has flourished ever since, catering to families and local small businesses. Boasting a signature blend of herbs and spices, customers enjoy Cajun and Creole favorites like crawfish, catfish, po'boys, jambalaya, and their signature Boudin Balls.

On weekends, LJ’z becomes a popup restaurant where individuals and families can come an enjoy a meal in the dining room or one the spacious outdoor patio. In addition to the standard list of mouthwatering classics, a new meal is created each week to complement the menu.

These intrepid small business owners have consistently chosen faith over fear and when asked how they define success, telling us it’s “being able to put a smile on someone’s face through our customer service and our cooking. If you feel like home when visiting, then we were successful.”

The staff is made up of family and friends whom they consider family, and LJ’z relationship with the community is a true give-and-take.

In response to the constant love and support this business receives, its passionate owners are always seeking to give back, from supporting community events to contributing to church functions and high school organizations - all the while “providing a home type of environment that allows families to gather around a table."

Many thanks to Larry and Wendy Johnson for sharing the story of LJ’z Backyard Bayou. You can learn more and support this iconic Alabama restaurant by visiting the LJ’z Backyard Bayou website and Facebook page.

Of course, LJ’z is one of the many amazing small businesses doing great things in the state. If you have another business you would like to see profiled on Only In Alabama, please feel free to nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Alabama on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about state events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.