STORY BY NICOLE BURNS

A new restaurant in East Brewton is living up to its slogan, ‘Where It’s All About You.’ Ms. Jackie’s has been serving customers since mid December at its Forrest Avenue location next door to the Shell station. She plans a formal Grand Opening on January 25th that includes giveaways and special guests.

Restaurant owner, Jackie Gaylor, won’t refer to the people who come through her doors as customers.

“People become your friend,” said Gaylor. “When you’re serving food to a friend, you feel more appreciated. That’s why I call all my guests my friends, even if it’s the first time I’ve met you, you’re my friend.”

Ms. Jackie’s has daily meat and two veggies options, as well as customized dishes available on an ever-changing menu.

That’s how she makes it all about you. Customers can vote for their favorite dish each week. The winners will have their favorites named after them plus receive a free meal.

Gaylor said she’s spent just about her whole life serving people. “I’ve been in the restaurant business since the age of 14,” said Gaylor. “I turned 60 last year. If that’s not experience, I don’t know what is.”

Gaylor has owned five restaurants in her lifetime in the Brewton area. The last was called Jackie’s on Jack Springs Road in Atmore during the 1990’s. Since then, she said she’s worked for different organizations, including corporate Denny’s.

“All my restaurants were full service. That’s my passion. Full service is my passion because it’s more personal,” said Gaylor.

“Full service, you just get more pleasure out of it. You become friends. It’s a one on one basis. They don’t mind telling you when you mess up and they don’t mind telling you when you do good. That’s why they’re my friends. Only friends can be honest with one another.”

Gaylor has taken to heart feedback she’s received on social media, and while you can’t please everyone, Gaylor wants to try.

“I love the challenge of pleasing people,” she said. “I’m not perfect. I burn the cornbread just like every other cook, but the difference is that if I burn it, I don’t send it out. I throw it in the trash.”

And people seem to notice and enjoy what they’re finding at Ms. Jackie’s because they keep coming back. Gaylor said business has increased from day to day. With the addition of her drive thru window and now extended hours, Gaylor hopes even the early birds will swing by on their way to work or school.

Ms. Jackie’s is open from six am until six pm Monday through Friday. Her breakfast menu includes four gourmet coffees and scones or cinnamon rolls. Customers coming by on Grand Opening day will get a free sample of coffee choices.

And if you’re not hungry, stop anyway. Gaylor said she wants Ms. Jackie’s to be a place where friends meet. “I hope we’re friends. It’s my dream to make everybody in the area my friend.”