You may have heard that Luzianna Purchase just celebrated its second birthday! Whether you’re a repeat customer, or getting ready to try it for the first time, trust us when we say that you will not be disappointed! We got to talk with owners Thomas and Mary Katherine, and after just one conversation, you could tell that their passion for New Orleans culture, good food, and amazing service is unmatched. Read on to learn more about this little gem we are lucky to have in Lake Murray.
Lake Murray Lifestyle: Tell us about you! Share about your restaurant experience and what led you to opening Luzianna Purchase.
Thomas: I am originally from New Orleans. My dad ran several restaurants so I grew up around the kitchen. I eventually left the area, joined a band, and toured the country for a while. Later, I settled back in SC and began cooking again, and realized how much I had missed it! I was executive chef at several Columbia restaurants as well as working in food sales. All of this led me to starting this restaurant with my wife because there wasn't any Louisiana culture in SC for food.
Mary Katherine: I grew up in Virginia and eventually moved to SC and met Thomas. My background as an art teacher made me want to infuse that into the restaurant. That is where “Cypress Corner” was born. Part of the restaurant is a little shop where you can buy unique gifts, original art, and more. Luzianna Purchase is truly a place where we are able to bring our talents together.
Lake Murray Lifestyle: What are your “go-to” menu recommendations?
Thomas: I always recommend first-timers to get the shrimp po’ boy. It is our top seller. We also have the po beast, which is a 10-inch sandwich with shrimp, fried oysters, and crawfish. We only use authentic New Orleans bread and the highest quality ingredients.
Lake Murray Lifestyle: Tell us about your chef.
Thomas: Ben Griffin is our Head Chef. He was a former chef at several places in Columbia. He is from Irmo and lives locally with his family. We work together, cook together, and just get along perfectly. He’s been with us since we opened. We’re so thankful to have such a great staff and working environment.
Lake Murray Lifestyle: What do you hope for your customers to experience when they visit Luzianna Purchase?
Thomas and Mary Katherine: We want to be a destination point for people. We are not trying to be a chain, just a unique, welcoming spot, that people want to come back to again and again. Some Louisiana locals have even said, “I feel like I’m at home,” which is just the best compliment!
Lake Murray Lifestyle: Share a little about your catering and private events.
Mary Katherine: We do lots of catering, small scale to large. We also make charcuterie boards which became really popular during a time when people were not dining out. Whether it be for a larger party, or tailgate, we can do it and deliver it to you.
Thomas: We also rent out our space after hours for dinners, showers, parties, etc. We will sit down with you and plan the get together you’d like to have-- sit down, buffet, etc. Menus are just guidelines, and we’re happy to go outside the box!
Luzianna Purchase is located at 7011 St. Andrews Rd. in the Murraywood Shopping Center. They are open Saturday from 10:00-1:00, and Tuesday-Friday from 11:00-3:00. Be sure to check out their Weekly Specials on the chalkboard inside. They also host ticketed events such as 5-course dinners, happy hours, and an annual crawfish boil in the spring. Don’t forget to purchase tickets for these mouth-watering events!
Follow Luzianna Purchase on Instagram and Facebook @LuziannaPurchase, and plan your next lunch destination today!