Family restaurant celebrates 26 years

Vernon and Peggy Jackson.

Twenty-six years to the day, Madison’s famous hole-in-the-wall, Jackson’s Family Restaurant, closed.

Friday, Sept. 30, was Vernon and Peggy Jackson’s last day before retirement as owners of the small empire they built over years of hard work and familial support.

The eatery was not just a place to indulge in good “ol’ country cookin'”, it was a place where generations of families were able to make memories. For more than two decades, the Jacksons have seen many customers come back as regulars.
“Kids are now bringing their kids,” Vernon said.

It truly was a family business. Over the years, not only did the founders work there, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, sister and brother in-law were all involved.
“The best part about having the restaurant was keeping the family together,” Peggy said.

When you walked into the restaurant, it was like walking back to the early years of Madison – the Madison where everyone knew everyone’s name, family, and all the goings-on of their lives.  You’d always be guaranteed to have a true Southern meal while sitting at tables that had seen countless customers’ smiles and laughter.

Many of those who returned again and again say the Jacksons have been a great part of their lives and they will truly miss them.

“Jackson’s was one of the first places where I ate when I first moved to Madison 16 years ago. It was the first place I’d tried Crowder peas and macaroni and tomatoes. It was very different than what I was used to,” said frequent customer Robert Salinas. “They [the Jacksons] are wonderful people.”

When asked what their long-term plans are for retirement, Peggy said they are going to “relax and enjoy each other.”
“And maybe have him (Vernon) cook for me for a change,” she said smiling.

In recent years, the hours and menus of the restaurant have changed, but the people and the feeling of a family truly engrained in the community has never wavered.

The restaurant is now open as Little Libby’s. Libby’s serves food for weekday breakfasts, lunches, dinners and Saturday breakfasts.