Jackson, TN: Storied Past, Delicious Future
Downtown revitalization efforts breathe new life into the city’s historic buildings.
When it comes to eating out, where you eat can make all the difference. Location, like food itself, can tell a story – and in Jackson, food and history intertwine seamlessly in these establishments that have made historical buildings their home.
The downtown area has experienced a concentrated effort toward revitalization. Both businesses and residents alike are heeding the call, and downtown Jackson has once again become a vibrant, bustling hub – a place where old meets new, where history is both honored and built upon.
In This Article
The Blacksmith Restaurant
Founded in 2017, The Blacksmith Restaurant operates out of a building that was built in the 1840s. For 90 years, it was a livery and blacksmith shop, and then in the late 1920s, it became a fish market. All these decades later, this chameleon of a building has changed its colors once again to serve the Jackson community as a restaurant.
Founder Beth Dunn fell in love with the location and knew it was the spot to open her dream restaurant.
“I was enamored with the revitalization of downtown Jackson and the progress they have made to make it a walkable, livable business and residential community,” Dunn says.
Though many businesses have come and gone in the building over the years, The Blacksmith seems to have staying power. A fun atmosphere and excellent food contribute to the restaurant’s success.
“Our ribeyes and filets are easily the best sellers on the menu, and our most popular specialty drinks are the Blueberry Lemon Drop martini and the Punch Press,” Dunn says. “We also have a great patio that hosts live music, trivia and other special events that provide our customers with entertainment.”
The Blacksmith’s motto is “live local, eat local, relax local,” and it reflects the restaurant’s commitment to investing in the future of Jackson and the community’s identity.
Historical Hot Spots
Whether housed in historical buildings or just paying homage to the city’s rich history, there are so many local businesses that offer patrons a special experience by telling the story of Jackson. Doe’s Eat Place, a family business that got its start in Mississippi, recently opened a new location in the historic Greyhound Bus Station, a building with a storied past and retro vibe.
Hub City Brewing is also getting in on the action as the first full-scale brewery to open in Jackson. Its headquarters is a building that began as a Ford automobile dealership in 1916.
Many establishments like to incorporate history and culture in their interior design, too. Turntable Coffee Counter, for example, decorates its walls with vintage music decor that hints at famous natives like Carl Perkins.
Skillet Junction
Once a historic hotel, the Neely House building has a majestic exterior featuring impressive columns and decorative balconies. Originally constructed in the early 20th century by Franklin B. Neely, it is the city’s only remaining railroad hotel structure, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These days, it houses Skillet Junction, “where breakfast meets lunch.”
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Jacob and Regina Richmond, Skillet Junction was the newest addition to their family of restaurants.
“We fell in love with the downtown area years ago,” says Regina Richmond. “We saw the Neely House for more than an old building dividing the times – the beauty and character of this big red building were just what we needed for a new restaurant to become an anchor in the once-neglected heart of downtown.”
Skillet Junction is the go-to spot for weekend brunch, open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Popular menu items include shrimp and grits, brisket and eggs, cognac French toast and the signature pancakes. The restaurant is also known for its craft cocktails and signature mimosas, made with freshly squeezed orange juice.
“Food is our love language and hospitality is our purpose. We are so loved by the Jackson community, and that’s why we continue to expand and grow our passion.”
Regina Richmond, Skillet Junction
Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery
Another restaurant that has continued to expand is Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery. When the business first rolled onto the food scene – quite literally, since it started as a food truck – there was no way to know how far and wide its success would spread. Originally opened in Memphis, the food truck soon transitioned to brick-and-mortar locations, including one in downtown Jackson.
“We have always felt like Rock’n Dough was a concept that had growth potential,” says Jerry Corley, co-founder.
Across Tennessee, it’s clear that patrons love the dough this restaurant’s slinging. It’s no wonder, considering the emphasis the company puts on fresh ingredients, with almost everything made in-house, from dough to dressings. On the menu, you’ll find more than just pizza, including beignets made from pizza dough and a killer brunch selection on the weekends. At the end of the day, the folks at Rock’n Dough aren’t just making great pizzas – they’re cooking great food. And now, they’re taking that foundation and putting it to good use in Jackson.
“We were getting so many large catering opportunities, and we needed a kitchen to be able to prepare the food,” Corley says. “We opened Jackson’s Kitchen + Catering where the Bakers Rack operated for years. The idea was to mimic their hours and leave the night times available for special events and catering opportunities.”
A talented team creates the menus and prepares the food, offering top-notch catering of seated and plated dinners – not buffets – for anywhere from 50 to 850 people.
Get to Know Jackson, TN
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