Cliff, Cliff Jr, Tyler Pizzolato
Cliff and Tony Pizzolato

The Reel Cajun Foods Story.

In the heart of South Louisiana, where the bayous whisper tales of flavor and tradition, our story begins with a humble produce stand in Baton Rouge. Back in 1959, Donaldsonville native Tony Pizzolato, an immigrant's son with a passion for fresh goods, opened a small retail and wholesale business selling fruits and vegetables. Little did he know that this venture would become a cornerstone of Louisiana's culinary landscape. As Baton Rouge residents flocked to his stand, Tony noticed their insatiable appetite for local seafood. He began adding fresh crawfish, shrimp, crabs, and catfish to his offerings, sourcing directly from the region's bountiful waters. By 1972, seafood had overtaken produce as the star of the show, transforming the business into Tony's Seafood Retail Market—a beloved institution known for its quality, freshness, and authentic Cajun spirit.

Tony's innovative spirit didn't stop at the market. His homemade seasoned fish fry mixes and original recipes for Cajun dishes became legendary among customers. This demand inspired the launch of Louisiana Fish Fry Products in 1982, right there in Baton Rouge. Starting with simple fry mixes, the company expanded to include base mixes for jambalaya, étouffée, seafood boils, sauces, and gravies—bringing authentic Louisiana flavors to kitchens nationwide. Under the Pizzolato family's guidance, Louisiana Fish Fry grew steadily in both retail and foodservice sectors, all while staying true to its roots with high-quality, time-honored recipes. Today, it remains headquartered in Baton Rouge, a testament to the enduring legacy of Tony's vision.

Generations later, that same entrepreneurial fire burns in Tony's descendants, Tyler and Cliff Pizzolato. Growing up immersed in the bustling world of Tony's Seafood and Louisiana Fish Fry, they absorbed invaluable knowledge—from sourcing the freshest ingredients and mastering food safety standards to innovating products that capture the essence of Cajun cuisine. With years of hands-on experience in processing, distribution, and creating shelf-stable goods, Tyler and Cliff saw an opportunity to build on this family heritage. Drawing from the lessons of their forebears, they founded Reel Cajun Foods, a South Louisiana-based processor specializing in boudin, sausage, and boudin balls.

At Reel Cajun Foods, we honor our roots by supplying restaurants, caterers, and retail stores with premium, frozen boudin products. As a USDA-inspected plant adhering to HACCP guidelines, we uphold the highest standards of quality and safety—just as Tony did decades ago. Whether it's our signature boudin or innovative boudin balls, every product reflects the passion, expertise, and authentic flavors passed down through the Pizzolato family. We're not just making food; we're continuing a Louisiana legacy, one bite at a time.