Southern-Inspired Fast-Casual Concept Lands in Wallingford This Month

Starting January 16, Wallingford will be home to a new fast-casual concept influenced by the flavors of the South, particularly that of Louisiana's Cajun culture. Acadia will open at 1651 N 34th Street, inside the new Northedge building, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Named after the South Louisiana home of the Cajuns, Acadia will offer pre-built and build-your-own bowls, sandwiches, and breakfast wraps with ingredients like Andouille sausage, pulled pork, wild-caught shrimp, and corn bread. Coffee will be available early, with beer and wine options later in the day.

Owner Annie Koski-Karell has worked in the food industry for the past 10 years. Her resume includes time with José Andrés' Thinkfoodgroup in Washington, D.C., and a stint as co-manager of Tom Douglas's Prosser Farm. She also earned her MBA from UW's Foster School of Business.

"Acadia's menu is southern-inspired, drawing influence across a wide swath of the Southern U.S., from the Low Country to New Orleans. Koski-Karell says. "Our menu celebrates the convergence of the African, Caribbean, Native American, French, Italian, Spanish and German culinary heritages that shaped the South and its cuisine." She forecasts that Acadia will provide "nourishing, satisfying and affordable food that is thoughtfully sourced and inspired by the spirit of traditional southern cuisine."

Expect local purveyors like Anchorhead Coffee, Uli's Sausage, and Macrina Bakery to make appearances on the menu, a draft of which is available below.

1651 N 34th Street, website. Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.