Jackson Jambalaya

Overpriced to pay for the real estate, that was the main issue. Fine and Dandy will follow along with the hipster Piccadilly.

Is this the restaurant that pretty much got the District to kick kick Cantina Laredo out? If so, serves them right.

Hate to see any business go belly up but their food wasn’t very good. Cantina Laredo was so much better. CL got pushed out by the local group who wanted that space and thought they could copy CLs success. Karma

Truly sad what's happening to our restaurants, their owners & staff. Lots of other small businesses too. Prayers for all of you.

I ate there regularly because a few menu items were quite delicious.

But the service could have been improved significantly and seemed to also contribute to the demise of the prior Cantina restaurant so I personally don't fault Covid as the singular murder weapon here.

I hate to see any business close and will be happy to give the new concept a shot when opened in this location, but it is a shame that finding decent employees with decent customer service skills seems to be in such short supply.

I don't expect to be dazzled in any restaurant just basic service is all I need...and on more than one occasion I was flat out ignored by servers in SSC in ways that were just inexcusable.

I wish them good luck with the next concept though. I admire anyone willing to try to succeed in the food industry especially in this difficult economy.

District Drugs is closed/relocating. 2020 has not been kind.

I cannot help but wonder how high the rent is and if The District has made any efforts to help its tenants.

There's only one sure way to make that location a success now - a third Mexican concept restaurant.

As a veteran former restaurant owner -- 10 years retired -- let me salute those who continue to try, but the reality is the margins are slim even in the best run operations and the costs are continuing to climb. There are other negative dynamics. Even before the pandemic there was a shift in consumer eating habits. Who 20 years ago would believe people would eat food from gas stations? And who would have believed fine dining would disappear as the younger generation turned their collective shoulders and opted for "casual." And don't get me started on the so-called "chefs" who are nothing more than fry and grill cooks. High land and occupancy costs have wrecked many. Unless you can do 3 or 4 million each year you are doomed from the minute you open your doors. Look for many, many more to throw in the towel.

This restaurant is in the uber-expensive, white enclave of The District in Eastover, home of $15 hamburgers & $10 per slice pizza. I wish the owner & employees well, just wasn't the best environment in a city that only supports Sweetie Pie's, all others can go to hell.

That location is a restaurant graveyard. Not that either restaurant that has been in there was above average...

I know it hasn't even opened yet in Hattiesburg, but I would love for Robert St. John to open up a second El Rayo location there. He appears to be on the right path with that concept that SSC wasn't able to achieve.

adios-

Drugstore did itself in. Undercapitalized, then started having inventory problems and not enough employees to keep the doors open so it would close for hours at a time.

Upscale and mexican food is an oxymoron. it is futile to try to uncharge people for mexican food. I say, put an "authentic" cheap mexican restaurant there and it will be packed.

Disagree. Stopped at one once that was at an exit just past Pensacola. Excellent Mexican food and it was on the upscale side. Owners spent money on furniture and decor, restaurant was very clean, and the food was excellent. Oh yes, everyone working there was "authentic".

Mexican cuisine has World Heritage designation prestige. Only a redneck would think that Mexican food is not and cannot be among the finest in the world.

Rice and beans are so cheap... you can't put lipstick on a pig and expect it to get a date to the prom.

Someone mentioned poor service. Don't know; never ate there. But here's my two cents about poor service at so many restaurants these days. The people restaurants are hiring, those in there 20's and 30's, have never experienced good service so they know nothing on how to give it. They grew up eating nothing but chicken nuggets at fast food places and therefore have no idea what makes good service in a restaurant with a wait staff.

If the food was good and priced right then they would never struggle. Why is it that Berry’s, Ichiban, and Mama Hamil’s have never struggled?

I work in The District and don't dine at any of the establishments. I have dined at them on somebody's else dime, though. Overpriced, below average service, weird themes, etc. Maybe I'm just not hip enough.......

Out of state contractor here. Counting the days until I can leave.

It was over priced slop. The atmosphere was pretentious. You hayseeds are so unsoph. This is a buffet and bbq state anyways. If you want legendary concepts you are going to have to jet out of this backward hell.

sooner or later, they will have to learn that GOOD service outweighs trendy designs and average food served in small quantities. I want that place to succeed in a big way, but if the staff does not take ownership and truly try to provide great service to the patrons, the patrons stop coming. Example, the bartender once motioned to me to tell me to come pick up my own drinks.

I am sorry but not surprised. I enjoyed their food although generally only when work was paying. It took an easy 20-25$ for me to get full on a weekday lunch so it was never somewhere I could afford to go on my own. Cantina Laredo was very good and I was sorry to see them go. The decor in SSC was a weird theme that I didn’t get, but I’ll eat anywhere as long as the food is good and the service is alright, no matter the decor. If they come back I’ll probably go again when I am back at work and able to take out clients.

Hate to see anyone going out of business, especially in this climate, but SSC never felt like a draw (and I like Fine and Dandy).

I suspect a more upscale place might do better here, that can justify what they need to charge to cover the rent on that space. Steakhouse? I just hope it doesn't sit empty forever, though in the near term that might be inevitable.

This restaurant had issues well before the pandemic. I know the industry is struggling, but this closure cannot be blamed on the pandemic. Orders were rarely correct or warm. Service was horrible. Different faces every time you walked in. New employees were promised things when hired that never materialized, hence never being able to attract any top notch servers. Owners and management were in over their heads.

loved the spot and environment, but the food was just not very good. hopefully whatever is coming will be better, it's a great spot to hang out

I would suggest that some of these restaurants pay a decent wage above the $2.13/hr and then steal a few Chik-fil-A employees. That is the only fast food place where the employees seem like they give a rat's a**. You would start with a few employees that have been at least taught customer service skills and they are generally hard-working.

RSJ told you this was coming. More to follow, especially newer establishments that are still paying off start-up costs and paying high rent. The old haunts will survive, but will be very scarred.

Sorry for the loss. I’ll continue to hold out hope that one day someone will provide reasonably priced Tex Mex with quality ingredients in Jackson. So far it hasn’t been done. If it can be done in Austin where rents are significantly higher then it can be done in Jackson. The problem in Jackson is that one must choose between really bad Mexican food (most places) with squeeze cheese on enchiladas etc or efforts at “higher end” fare like SSC that is decent but not remarkable. There is a sweet spot in between that no one hits. If ever in Austin try Maudie’s or Guero’s, to name just a couple of many—about 8 bucks for most plates— and margaritas that aren’t made with prefab ingredients. You’ll see the difference immediately. Whoever does this in Jackson will become an institution and make lots of money. People will like up and wait for an hour or more to get in.

Their service was gawd awful. My family and I quit going there permanently after we had to wait 30 minutes just for our order to even be taken and the restaurant was 1/4 full. This experience drove us to try Sante Fe Grill right around the corner and it’s the best decision ever. Sante Fe is the real deal. Best casual/bar/Mexican food in NEJ. Hands down.

Lets just admit that the location isnt that great, its hard to get to & nothing about the name told you it was a restautant. I understand the theme had something to do with saved by the bell, but I dont get it and I assume most other people didnt either.

I liked the snapper dish. But they never had it available. Only excuses.

Never ate there but really appreciate the owner taking ownership of the failure. Most will not take responsibility and blame it on everything but themselves. This year Covid did do a lot of damage and no one was prepared so they have had to deal with some things totally unexpected. With this attitude they will survive and do bigger better things in the future. Unfortunately places like the district pattern them selves like a small upscale club and if you pay the excessive fees you too can be part of the club. Places like Amerigo have done really well out of a rehabbed Mr. Farris and another Jackson restaurant has done well out of a space once occupied by Shoneys big boy.

To finish 3:08's thought for him: " . . . and move to my home state, which is soooo much better. (I'm really just homesick)."

3:57: I agree. I'll see your Maudi's and Guerro's, and raise you El Arroyo and Lupe Tortilla. All those places stay busy, and are located on prime real estate in an expensive city, but charge about as much as Chili's.

Bring back El Chico!!!! :)

6:07 reminds me....we need a "like" button on here.

Did not like Cantina Laredo or SSC. It's hard to top Green Ghost for our family.

6:06 — I love El Arroyo. Back in the early 80s when I was in college in Austin, their calling card was the BBQ chicken soft tacos. All seating was outside in the trees. Couldn’t beat it on a college budget. Killer queso too. They later expanded the menu but still a great place. When I get back I’ll have to try the other one you mention.

Dumbasses threw out a functioning Mexican place which was packing people in and opened a tribute to screetch and zach?

The good news is the owners are filthy rich and will love to fight another day.

Maybe they will open up a place based on blazing saddles and call it Mongos.

Have never heard of this place, but, with the exception of Crechales, since when is Jackson a destination venue for dining? Well, unless, as one gent said, he's taking customers there on his employer's dime and he probably works nearby. Sophomores? Really? Sounds like a place that might sell skinny jeans to 20 somethings.

Every day all day long (for those that remain open) we see NOW HIRING signs on the marquee of most 'restaurants'. Customers are sparse, tipping is iffy and who is willing to work for $2.40 an hour, hoping for an occasional good-tip shift while praying to not have your hours cut...again?

That Curry and goat-on-a-stick joint in Gluckstadt will be next to go. How in hell can they remain open with four cars in the parking lot at noon and three of those belong to employees?

Construction crews and first responders are keeping all the Mexican dives open. Face it, service station hot dogs and to-go burgers in foil are the wave of the future. And cauliflower pizza dough.

TO 2;45...to answer you question , the places you listed are all you can eat, eat till you are stupid, feeding lots for the 60% of the population of mississippi who are obese.

"Bring back El Chico!"

Nah, El Chico wasn't bad, but only a Mexican "Steak & Ale".
Many rednecks considered that fine dining.

Hell . . . a true Jackson classic was El Burrito . . . (with a walk through to Pasquale's pizza).

But this is JJ . . . not the "Lost Jackson" Facebook page.

Take a look at the prices demanded by one of JJ's 'steak place' advertisers. Yep...'employer's dime'.

Based on the style of that owner's announcement he was in the wrong industry.

I never ate out much in Jxn. pre-covid. After covid, we have not even picked up any take out. If service is lacking and food is just not top notch, I see no reason to go back. We go out to eat to get a good meal, not just an okay one or overpriced. We've lived in several other states over the years and rarely left hungry and had good meals at most of the places. Here, Jxn. seems to have a lot of "status symbol" places to eat that look artsy, and people go, but that's not what I want--I want real food, cooked right, at a good price and good service and not a tiny portion size. Otherwise, I'll hang on to my hard earned money. On vacation, etc. we enjoy most meals out but you really have to impress me to just go out for the heck of it while at home. Maybe I'm not hip enough. We cook all of our meals pre covid and during covid now---Yes, that's it, I must not be hip.

Great service, great service, great service! Bill Latham has opened, operated and sold many successful restaurants in the Jackson area. The hallmark and common trait of all of them? Great service! The food was usually in the A- to C+ range, but the service was always A+ at his restaurants - old Sundancer restaurant in Highland Village (Bravo's location), original Scrooges in the Rogue building, Amerigos, Char and others. A great wait staff is made them so good and dependable. Sadly, I've seen restaurant service degrade over the last year or two. Sombra, in Madison, is a former Bill Latham restaurant that carried on the good service tradition after Bill sold it. However, now the service is no better than at a Pizza Hut. The wait staff is borderline rude. I don't go back to restaurants where the service sucks.

We need a Los Pollos Hermanos. I heard it was addicting.

with all the mexican themed restaurants in town, it is difficult to compel the average person to pay more for purportedly higher end mexican/spanish food. --- p.s. i don't get the comments about it was difficult to get to. its pretty conveniently located with parking. i imagine a non-mexican, mid to higher-end restaurant (think something like bravo, manship, amerigo's, nick's, etc.) would do better there.

I know this is not an original idea or comment, but folks that decide to open up restaurants really need to study Chick-fil-A first. I know it's a fast food joint, but my gosh, they are the epitome of good customer service. Their food is not spectacular, but the reason that people (including me) keep going back is the outstanding service that they provide. It's quick, they get your order correct 99.9% of the time, you don't get any attitude from any of them, they are grateful to be working, etc., etc., etc. All of the bad places that we're talking about on this blog must be following the McDonald's play book for customer service. Like another commenter said, if I go to a restaurant and experience bad service, I don't go back...........ever!!! My list of places that I won't eat at again is much longer that my list of places that I will eat at.

@8:19
Los Pollos Hermanos wasn’t just about the food. It was also about the service. Gus always made sure of that.

It is sad commentary when Chick-fil-A is the gold standard for customer service when talking about restaurants in a city.

Cook your own &@%# food!

They selfishly got the developers to kick out a national chain restaurant to expand their hip(only to the NE Jackson crowd) eatery. I simply refused to explore the Saved by the Bell themed place simply on that fact. I am sorry, but after telling a nationally branded chain "thanks for coming, but your not what we are looking for" I think their demise is only fitting. We are Jackson, MS and we only get so many opportunities. I bet many other corporate chains have looked at that and passed or had a bad taste put in their mouth. Sure, we should prefer to eat local, but sometimes its not a bad thing. You hipsters get to take the victory on that one.

Mexican food? Pffft. The only place in Mexico that you will find this cuisine to purchase is in American tourist areas. You certainly won't find this where Mexicans in Mexico dine.

Most of it is what very poor peasants eat in rural areas at home.

But that's OK, as you won't find most "Chinese food" in China.

And you won't find "NY" or "Chicago" pizza in Italy.

Oh well, give 'em what they want and tell the sheeple it's the real thing.

Every door that closes another door opens....stay tuned ...Really, stay tuned!

How about the Mexican meal displayed inside the ZZTop Tres Hombres album?

http://www.texasmonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/zz-top-tres-hombres-mexican-feast3-copy1.jpg

Yep, a familiar name may appear

What the hell is the sudden fascination with goat meat, Mexican food and tough slices of cold pizza? What we need is a place that serves chicken-fried-steak the size of a waffle and so tender you don't need a fork. Or better yet, served on a bun with hot, dippin' gravy.

Most of you Prissy-Paulettes get off on ordering food you can't pronounce so you can post it on Facebook later in the evening.

"...CL got pushed out by the local group who wanted that space and thought they could copy CLs success..."
December 21, 2020 at 12:02 PM

How did that happen? Did "CL"'s lease expire and not get renewed? Some other ploy?

Anyway, I'd never heard of 'Sophomore Spanish Club'. Nor had I ever heard of 'Saved by the Bell'. So, I just googled pics of the restaurant, and looked-up the show/movie/franchise/whatever. We must have had better things to do, back then. Actually, we didn't have TVs, lest they'd distract the kids from their studies, so that may have been it.

One glance at the pics, told me more than enough. Pink & Aqua, sells SWEETS. It enhances the experience, when one is consuming sweets (dessert items, and sugary drinks). But those colors negatively affect perception of SAVORY dishes (entrees). And a look which works in the heat and dazzling light of a Mexican beach resort (SSC screams "Cancun", to me), may not work as well, in the muddy light and variable climate of Jackson. Pink, Aqua, white lattice, and orange tile, would be cooling and welcome, to a sunburned vacationer stepping off a white sand beach. Otherwise, the color combination is stomach-turning.

The name, for me, summoned images of the dumbasses who took "the easy language", rather than French, German, or Latin, in high school. They took trips to "the cheap country", and came back with stories of drinking and prostitutes. So, unless someone was a 'Saved by the Bell' fan, the restaurant's name probably came-off as being a tad insulting. Who wants to be CALLED, "one of the dumbasses who took the easy language"?

There's two new chain restaurants in McComb. Both buildings, lots, and landscaping have been completed for months. Both have failed to open due to not enough employees. Trying to keep a business open nowadays with the covid, while competing with the federal government on salary is a lose, lose..

Well 7:02, it is McComb. The same McComb that gave us Brittany Spears. See how that turned out...

7:02 While some folks may froth over opening a restraraunt, it may be wiser think of more demanding retail/service industries... tires, alcohol... etc...

The only idea that will work is a nice venue that serves decent sized fried oysters. None to be had in the Metro.

9:01 pm

Queen....britney (spell it right) while born in pike county is from kentwood. Don’t misappropriate the only thing good besides 55 to come out of kentwood.

And this whole Spanish club shit? It’s on par with a short lived terribly named place on state street by what is now the Belhaven Medical Building - the one and only - Squat and Chow.

I wondered where Squats marketing team wound up.

Mississippians, particularly the menfolk, seem to have extreme self-esteem issues. And that SHOULD tell marketers that Mississippians are particularly sensitive to insults. Insulting names like 'Squat and Chow' (thanks, 8:57, I hadn't heard of that one), do NOT attract the apparently abundant supply customers who view themselves as being less-than-zero. I'm old enough to remember a restaurant named 'Po Folks'. It was expected to draw whole families of losers, like stink draws flies. It FLOPPED.

It's one thing, if a belittling business name is ABOUT SOME OTHER GROUP, to which the potential customer clearly does not belong. But if the name seems to be ABOUT THE CUSTOMER, then the name needs to be flattering, or aspirational. 'Squat and Chow', 'Sophomore Spanish Club', and 'Po Folks' are all names which, one assumes, are about the customer - and all are belittling.

Very few people are willing to pay, to be belittled.

"Well 7:02, it is McComb".

So true.

Sadly a great little small city has become a little sister of Jackson.

BTW, Summit Mississippi (one hundred yards north) is thriving.
It's almost Identical to Madison.

Albeit without the Corinthian column and red brick requirements.

I hate to agree, but almost no local places serve both quality food and provide excellent service. I am NOT eating out to get mediocre anything (I can do that for myself at home just fine). There are few - Aplos in HV, Crazy Cat, Lou's, Walkers, Ely's, and a few others, but most have subpar food and/or service. Some of our top notch standards are now not safe/calm so they are out, too. Sad. Is this just a Jackson area thing? Does anyone know if RSJ is going to move ahead in Fondren? I doubt it with the economy but that would be amazing.

It would be nice if we could get a J Alexander's here.