Cajun seafood chain to open location near Dayton Mall

A small but fast-growing Cajun seafood restaurant chain has its sights set on the Dayton area with a new location “coming soon” near the Dayton Mall, according to the chain’s web site.

Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar lists on its web site a “coming soon” location at 2564 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Miami Twp., which appears to place it as the second restaurant tenant in the former Sears Auto & Tire Center at the Dayton Mall.

Outback Steakhouse relocated a restaurant from Centerville to the former Sears space in November 2018. The Hook & Reel address suggests it will take the remaining space in the former auto center that faces the mall, while Outback Steakhouse faces Miamisburg-Centerville Road.

An application for a building permit with a project name of “Hook a Reel” has been filed with Montgomery County officials for the Outback Steakhouse address.

The restaurant chain’s web site lists a half-dozen restaurant locations but more than two dozen in 18 states that are “coming soon.” The Dayton Mall restaurant is the only Ohio location listed.

The first Hook & Reel Restaurant opened in Lanham, Maryland in 2013, according to the company’s web site.

“His pledge to all is that each Hook & Reel will only use the finest and freshest seafood, coupled with fresh garlic, lemon pepper, herbs and spices, and chili powder,” the website says. “All ingredients combine for a one of a kind aroma and finger licking experience that makes people want to come back over and over again. Hook & Reel is a rapidly growing casual family dining restaurant chain, with new locations opening at a brisk pace.”