Serving soul food in the Overtown community is much a part of the Jackson family history as baking mom's apple pie.
Now the family owned and run business has expanded both its cooking and its menu to reach far into the northern parts of Miami-Dade County with the grand opening of its second restaurant, Jackson Soul Food II, at 14511 NW 27 Ave.
The Aug. 2 ribbon cutting was not without fanfare, speeches and, of course, good food.
Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert III touted the long and proud history of the Jackson family, and the soul food they have been preparing for generations. Jackson was founded in 1946, when it was known as Mama’s Café. The first Jackson is located at 950 NW Thirdrd Ave., in Overtown. The company’s CEO, Shirlene Ingraham, has been running the restaurant for more than 30 years.
"What was to Overtown, will be to Miami Gardens and Opa-locka," said Gilbert. But if there was any confusion as to which city the new restaurant is located in, Opa-locka Mayor Myra Taylor put all doubts to rest by proudly announcing that Jackson Soul Food II is located "in the great city of Opa-locka."
To prove her point, Taylor brought with her an official Opa-locka city proclamation, as well as City Council members Joseph Kelley, Luis Santiago and John Riley.
"We welcome you into our family," said Taylor to the Jackson owners. "That you came from Overtown and chose Opa-locka, you are going to help us turn our city around."
Then with proclamation in hand, the mayor officially declared Tuesday, Aug. 2, Jackson Soul Food Day.
Once the official duties of the grand opening were completed, the restaurant staff opened the doors, and rolled out a smorgasbord of a-not-so-small sampling of the delicious foods that will be featured at the new location. All the guests were treated to a menu that started with meatballs and chicken wings, and you just have to try the oxtails.
The aroma from the kitchen must have reached as far away as Miami-Dade County Hall in downtown Miami, because in walked County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, with fellow Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, just in time to sit down to an appetizing plate.
Not to miss out on the grand opening fanfare, and the good food, Florida Rep. Cynthia Stafford stopped by, along with her aide Mary Cowart, to give the restaurant owners and gathered crowd a hearty welcome to her district and the North Miami-Dade County area.
And then there was more food on display. The macaroni and cheese was a nice side dish, as was the collard greens, made with turkey. But the gathered guests really ran to grab their plates at the sight of the restaurant's signature dish, Jackson's famous Red Glazed Shrimp.
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Source:
http://miamitimesonline.com/news/2016/aug/10/jackson-soul-food-expands/
