Lume Asian Fusion, Voodoo Brothers To Co-Host Ribbon Cutting

MANASSAS, VA — The former space of Okra's Cajun Creole is no longer sitting vacant with the opening of Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole and Lume Asian Fusion. The two restaurants will co-host their ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on Aug. 2 during the First Friday kickoff.

The new restaurants share a wall — Lume Asian Fusion is open at 9110 Center Street, and Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole is open at 9112 Center Street.

Voodoo Brothers comes from Luke Tamer and Antonio Escamilla, who worked together at Okra's Cajun Creole. According to a previous City of Manassas economic development newsletter, the new owners hope to bring back a taste of New Orleans and memories of Okra's.

Lume Asian Fusion is a new take on Korean Asian Cusine from entrepreneur Chris Sellers and partner James Shoemaker. According to the restaurant's website, "Korean flavors meet the South Pacific, blended into American cuisine in a modern tiki setting."

Both restaurants are working on expanding their menus in the early days of opening. Menus are available on the restaurants' websites.

At Monday's City Council meeting, City Council members expressed support for the new restaurants bringing new life to the former Okra's space. Okra's closed in 2021.

Councilmember Theresa Coates Ellis encouraged residents to support local businesses that have just opened.

"During the pandemic, we had a few businesses close, and one of them was Okra's, which is in historic Manassas," said Ellis. "It sat empty for a few years, so it's great to see now that there's two new restaurants that have been open, the Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole and Lume Asian Fusion."

Councilmember Tom Osina noted the Lume Asian Fusion and Voodoo Brothers openings join other ribbon cuttings — Barks and Boarding on July 30 at 2 p.m. and Brightworks Brewing on Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. He also noted the vibrancy of downtown, with the city's economic development department reporting nearly 14,000 square feet of new commercial leases signed in downtown in 2023.

"I'm always happy to see that the commercial sector grows like that, and because it lessens the tax burden for our residents. That's a remarkable achievement there," said Osina.