Mr. Cajun Empanadas to Join Taste of Soul Festival

The Southern California food vendor will debut its Creole-Cajun fusion menu at the event on October 17.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Food and Drink

Mr. Cajun Empanadas to Join Taste of Soul Festival

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Mr. Cajun Empanadas, a business specializing in Louisiana-inspired cuisine, will serve attendees at the 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival in Crenshaw on Saturday, Oct. 17. Founder Rickey Hill Jr. launched the company to merge his culinary background with Creole-Cajun heritage.

Why it matters

The appearance highlights the growth of a business that transitioned from a founder's 20-year career in the offshore oil and gas industry to the Southern California culinary scene. The company seeks to combine diverse culinary traditions through its signature offerings.

Rickey Hill Jr. brings his experience as an author of two books to a business menu featuring items like gumbo, étouffée, and birria empanadas. Each empanada sold by the company includes a printed Bible verse.

The players

Rickey Hill Jr.

He is the founder of Mr. Cajun Empanadas who transitioned from a two-decade career in the oil and gas industry to food service.

Mr. Cajun Empanadas

This Southern California-based culinary business serves a fusion of Latin and Louisiana Creole-Cajun dishes.

The details

The business operates across Southern California by serving food at colleges, farmers markets, and apartment communities. The menu features a mix of Latin cuisine and Louisiana staples, including red beans and rice, dirty rice, and shrimp and crawfish étouffée.

Mr. Cajun Empanadas launched in October 2022.
Rickey Hill Jr. left his career in the oil and gas industry in January 2026.
The festival appearance is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The festival acts as a major hub for local vendors to scale their operations within the competitive Southern California food market. Participating in such established events follows a pattern set by the Taste of Soul Family Festival by providing a platform for local small business growth.

Attendees can visit the Mr. Cajun Empanadas booth during the festival on October 17 to sample the fusion menu. The business continues to serve customers at various farmers markets and colleges across Southern California.

The takeaway

Entrepreneurs often leverage previous career experiences to fuel unique culinary ventures in new markets. Combining cultural heritage with distinct menu offerings remains a viable path for small business owners seeking community engagement.