Sumter Signatures: Jackson's Cuisine and Catering

Editor's note: This article was originally published in the 2024 edition of The Sumter Item's "All About Sumter" magazine. Jackson's was featured as a Sumter Signature. 

“Come in and make yourself at home,” reads one of many signs that greet customers entering Jackson’s Cuisine and Catering. 

Donna Jackson, the matriarch and owner of the Black-owned family restaurant, has used her nurturing spirit and generational recipes as the backbone for this homestyle eatery in Sumter for nearly three years. Her culinary journey began long before Jackson’s; she previously owned and operated A Fire Touch where she honed her skills and deepened her passion for cooking.  

When opening Jackson’s, the legacy of love and flavor is something Donna instilled in her son, Joseph Jackson Jr., who now leads the kitchen with the same dedication. Joseph’s culinary journey began out the trunk of his car. The side hustle brought in great feedback and even greater revenue. Realizing the potential of his culinary skills, he decided to turn his side hustle into a full-time venture. 

Together, Donna, Jospeh Jr. and several members of the Jackson family have curated and catered a menu that honors family traditions while adding twists, whether it be a few extra shakes of a specific spice or a rendition of a family favorite. Among their bestsellers are oxtails, fried chicken, hamburger steak and lasagna – all homemade. For those who desire a sweet treat after an already delicious meal, a slice of red velvet cake, chocolate cake, jelly cake, peach cobbler or Grandma Jackson’s sweet potato pie is what you need. Though these Southern staples may be a frequent rotation at many family dinners, Donna assured it won’t taste quite like one from Jackson’s. 

“People say ‘How do y’all food taste so good?’ It’s cooked with love,” Donna said. “We base our food on love, and if it’s not good enough for me, it’s not good enough for our customers.”  

“Cooking feeds the soul,” Joseph said, and that’s what feeds the family’s dedication to their cuisine and the community. 

Making everyone who enters the restaurant feels at home or everyone at a 2,000-person party leaves with full bellies and warms hearts is what the Jacksons want to be known for – and have for quite some time. They have been able to build a beloved reputation through word-of-mouth, allowing the business to blossom. 

While plans are to grow into a bigger business, the family is grateful for how far they’ve come, summarizing their gratitude in one phrase: “To God be the Glory.”