Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Jackson.
Hi Donna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for serving others. I have been an LPN for 38 years, a pastor for 16 years, and the Owner and Operator of Jackson Cuisine and Catering, LLC for 5 years. This is not my first restaurant. My journey started over 20 years ago when I started Catering for pharmaceutical reps while working in the nursing field. At that time, the business name was ‘A Finer Touch’. The business was successful but, I wasn’t able to manage it, a family, and my job as a nurse.
5 years ago on Christmas Eve, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and faced the horrible challenges of having a terminal cancer. Shortly after my diagnosis, a house fire, a son being shot and the list just seemed to add more and more challenges. My oldest son who is now 38, lost his job and was at his wits end. I began helping him prepare meals and he sold them to many industrial plant workers. I encouraged him to pitch tents on several corners in Sumter to make an honest living selling home cooked foods to passerbyers.
On day, we encountered DHEC and was pressed to look for a brick and mortar.
We didn’t search long and we found a potential spot on Broad Street extension in Sumter. From that time to this present time, the business has been a staple in that community as well as other areas.
We serve a variety of food but mostly ‘Soul Food’. We cater to businesses throughout the area as well as weddings, family reunions, etc.
The most exciting and honorable thing is when people choose Jackson Cuisine and Catering to celebrate their birthdays.
Representative James Clyburn could have chosen any place in the world to go for his birthday BUT, he chose Jackson’s. Actually, while he was eating, our past President, Joe Biden as well as Vice President Kamala Harris phoned him while he was at dinner.
We give all glory to GOD ALWAYS for this business. Our customers are looked upon and treated as if they were actual members of our family.
I am a very particular and hard to please person, so my staff prepares every plate as if it was going to be served to me. There is nothing to good for every customer that comes in. There is a secret ingredient in every item that we prepare daily. That secret ingredient is “Love”
I continue to battle with cancer but, I press forward everyday. I have a saying that I live by, “I trust the process as I trust the Processor!” That is God! He has richly blessed me throughout this journey. One of my biggest attributes is the fact that I am a ‘Giver!’
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
By no means has it been a smooth road. The biggest issue is staffing. Finding people whose interest is not just getting a paycheck. I tell my employees that “I want them to treat my business as if it belongs to them.”
Other than that, we deal with typical struggles but nothing that will cause us to throw in the towel and walk away.
It is my goal to train my workers who are young to become greatness: doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, engineers, etc. Their foundation is at Jackson’s. I tell them, “If you can work for Jackson’s, you can work anywhere”.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our ultimate goal is to provide an excellent dining experience for our customers.
We specialize in preparing southern cooking.:Fried Chicken, Liver and Onions, Hamburger Steak, Macaroni and Cheese, Cobblers, etc.
We also like the finer side like Shrimp and Grits, Pasta with our made from scratch sauces, Steaks, Salmon, Ribs, Stuffed Mushrooms, etc.
Our top seller daily is Mac and Cheese that we call ‘It’s Cheese and Macaroni” and our Cabbage
We rely on word of mouth advertisement- not bill boards or clippings.
Everything that we do is done on the basis of love.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
It would be great for our business to go to the next level. As we grow, our workers excel and the more we can give back to our communities and our patrons.
It is my dream that my son’s, Joseph and Christopher will let this business be a huge part of their legacy. Something that they will value and hold in high esteem as they trust God to see them through.
I really want to place them in a new building while I still have the opportunity to be on this side.
Pricing:
- We provide great quality food at reasonable pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: Jackson’s Catering
- Facebook: Jackson’s Cuisine and Catering
