Broussard's under new ownership

Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, a popular downtown Cape Girardeau restaurant and bar, has been sold to Hunter and Stephanie Clark of Cape Girardeau.

The previous owner, Shawn Stockard, said the transaction is being financed through a lease-purchase arrangement. Stockard had owned it for 3 1/2 years and managed it for his father, Dennis Stockard, prior to that.

Hunter Clark said Tuesday that he managed and supervised restaurants for Dennis Stockard for 13 years.

Clark, who supervised Broussard's from 1992 through 1994, said he has always liked the atmosphere of the Cajun restaurant and bar at 120 N. Main.

Clark said he plans to keep the same menu. "I'm changing absolutely nothing," he said, although he quickly added he might make some cosmetic changes.

Clark, who had been working in recent years as a truck driver, said he's excited about operating a restaurant that is a well-established business.

Stockard said Clark's renewed interest in the restaurant and bar is understandable. "Everyone wants to own a restaurant, bar and game room," he said.

Home of alligatorThere has been a Broussard's restaurant and bar at that location since 1986 when Baron and Kathy Broussard first opened the business and installed a tank with an alligator. The business has had a jovial alligator logo for years.

The restaurant currently doesn't have a pet alligator. Clark said he's looking for one. In past years, a small alligator used to be housed in one of the fish tanks that line one wall in the bar area.

Prior to the Cajun restaurant, the building housed the Town Pump restaurant.

Clark said he plans to keep the same employees and bands will continue to perform on weekends.