WALDORF, Md. — A new restaurant bringing Creole and Southern flavors to Waldorf is preparing to take over the former Red Tails Restaurant location as Bayou Kitchen & Bar moves through final approvals before opening.
Plans for the new restaurant were presented during the March 12, 2026, meeting of the Charles County Board of License Commissioners, where owners Jacquia Elizabeth Richardson and Jennifer Nichole Fair of Monarch Vision Group LLC applied for a new Class B restaurant/bar liquor license with entertainment for the space at 173 St. Patrick’s Drive, Suites 105 and 106, Waldorf.
Richardson told the board the goal is to transform the former Red Tails space into a welcoming dining destination focused on community, culture and comfort food.
“We will specialize in Creole and Southern cuisine. We will create a positive, family-friendly atmosphere where it’s relaxing and everyone can feel welcome,” Richardson said.
She said the veteran- and educator-owned restaurant also plans to partner with local organizations and schools while creating a positive gathering place for the Waldorf community.
Richardson said she expects to be heavily involved in daily operations and anticipates hiring about 25 to 30 employees once the restaurant opens.
Plans include light entertainment such as solo musicians, karaoke nights and DJs, with management emphasizing responsible alcohol service, including alcohol awareness training and strict ID checks.
“I would consider like a solo instrumentalist, like a saxophonist perhaps, or a singer solo… maybe a karaoke night,” Richardson told the board.
Bayou Kitchen & Bar is expected to operate:
- Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–midnight
- Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Closed Mondays
The application remains contingent on final approvals, including a use and occupancy permit and health department permit, which were still pending at the time of the meeting.
Richardson said the team is ready to move forward once inspections are completed.
“We were hoping for April. It’s all dependent on the inspections,” she said.
The location has long served as a restaurant space in Waldorf. Before operating as Red Tails, the site was previously home to Grille No. 13, continuing a history of dining establishments at the St. Patrick’s Drive location. The new concept aims to continue that tradition while introducing a new Southern-inspired dining option for the community.
Watch the March 12, 2026 Charles County Board of License Commissioners meeting on CCGTV here.
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