From Bourbon Street to Main Street, Ms. Lisa's offers Wareham a taste of New Orleans

Ms. Lisa's New Orleans Cuisine is a restaurant rooted in love. From its name to the very reason it came to Wareham, everything about the space at 208 Main Street comes from the heart. 

In fact, the story of the eatery starts with couple Elise Zarcaro and Terron Jackson, the owners. Hailing from New Orleans himself, Jackson brings flavorful dishes from "The Big Easy" all the way to the gateway town, while Zarcaro helps to ensure everything operates smoothly. 

The pair met while working at a restaurant on Cape Cod, Zarcaro a waitress and Jackson a line cook.

"She's my everything," Jackson said of Zaracro. "She's the one that really owns the business and I'm the head chef— she's the brains, I'm the brawn. And we've been doing that for about four years." 

The couple operated the restaurant, named after Jackson's mother, in Providence, Rhode Island before making the move to Wareham. Most of the motivation to jump into the restaurant world was thanks to Jackson's uncle who passed away last March. 

Jackson said his uncle, a chef, was one of the couple's biggest supporters through the process of starting a restaurant business. Though he wasn't there to see Ms. Lisa's opening, Jackson said his influence still remains. 

"It's passion. It's something that connects me to my family," he said.

Ms. Lisas offers a range of dishes like seafood, chicken wings and gumbo. With offerings filled with cajun spices and Jamaican jerk-seasoning that Wharamites can catch a whiff of before stepping foot into the business.

In the colder months, the restaurant operates as a takeout and catering spot, occasionally partnering with local restaurants as a pop-up. With a tent out front and spring on its way, patrons can expect a spot to relax. 

"Come spring, summer and fall we'll use the tent outside," Jackson said. "We'll set up some tables out there so you can sit and relax while you wait."

The restaurant has been open since late November and has seen major success with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, according to Jackson. With regulars popping in all day, the goal of offering something different for the town has been going well. 

"We didn't want to be like a pizza shop or a sub shop because Wareham already has that," Jackson said. "We know a lot of those owners as well and they love the fact that we're bringing something totally different. We're not stepping on anybody's toes." 

With other businesses coming to Main Street soon like restaurant and arcade RWND and the Pour Farm Tavern, the couple hopes to cement themselves in the revitalization of Wareham center. Ms. Lisa's has future plans of collaboration including a catch and cook night and events with the Cape Cod Baseball League. 

"We're all working together. That's how it is down in New Orleans," he said. 

Moving forward, Jackson said he has hopes to bring a slice of his home to Wareham for all to enjoy.

"We're not just cooking your food, we're conversing with you while we're cooking— it kind of makes me feel like I'm back home," Jackson said. "Playing some old school music, decorating for Mardi Gras season, promoting king cakes. We just want to bring that little experience of New Orleans to the area."

More information about special events, menu items and updates can be found on Ms. Lisa's New Orleans Cuisine's Facebook page.