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and attending his son ’ s school functions and football games .
“ That was the objective going into it ,” he shares .
The restaurant is more than just a business for Jackson ; it ’ s a place where the staff feels like family .
“ I have a great staff . Very blessed ,” he remarked .
Out of 23 employees , many have been with him for a long time , some even since the restaurant ’ s opening . Jackson fosters a fun and supportive work environment , ensuring that as long as the work gets done , everyone can enjoy their time at work .
Lee Maranville , the general manager , echoes this sentiment .
“ I ’ ve been here almost 11 years , and it truly feels like family ,” he says .
Maranville describes the working environment as relaxed and family-oriented , which has contributed to the low staff turnover . “ Sean is very understanding and accommodating when it comes to personal issues . He ’ s created an open-door policy where staff feel comfortable discussing any problems they might have .”
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a restaurant is not without its challenges , however .
COVID-19 significantly impacted Jackson ’ s , and recovery has been a gradual process .
“ COVID was pretty rough , and it took a long time to get back on track ,” Jackson admits . Inflation and staffing issues have also posed challenges , making it difficult to maintain the same level of service as before .
Despite these hurdles , Sean remains optimistic and dedicated . His approach
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to management is one of understanding and flexibility , especially with the younger staff who often struggle with distractions like cell phones .
“ Managing the staff is the hardest part , but also rewarding ,” he says , especially when he gets to teach them valuable life and work skills .
Maranville adds that the restaurant ’ s unique features , like the hot bar and all-day breakfast , create a dynamic and sometimes challenging work environment .
“ The hot bar is appealing because it offers quick , homestyle meals , but it ’ s also one of the hardest aspects to manage ,” he explains . “ Keeping it fresh and stocked without wasting food is a daily challenge .”
Community and Customer Loyalty
Jackson ’ s Restaurant enjoys a loyal customer base , including many regulars who visit daily .
“ We have a lot of older folks who come in , sit at the same tables , and order the same meals every day ,” Jackson notes .
He believes the restaurant ’ s reputation for good food and a friendly atmosphere keeps customers coming back .
The menu is also designed
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to cater to a wide range of tastes . While the focus is on comfort food , there are also healthy options available , like salads . However , the highlight remains the rich , flavorful dishes that remind many of home-cooked meals .
“ It ’ s what works and brings people in ,” Jackson explains .
Maranville believes that the personal touch is what sets Jackson ’ s apart .
“ We try our best to remember our regulars ’ names and preferences ,” he says , which is important when you ’ re serving such a diverse crowd .
“ Every day for lunch , you can see every single cross-section of the whole community . From judges to sheriffs , blue-collar workers to anyone walking around downtown , everyone is welcome .”
This diversity is one of the aspects Maranville loves most about Jackson ’ s .
This attention to detail extends to ensuring customer satisfaction .
“ We try our best to get to know your name and remember how you like things . If there ’ s an issue , we go out of our way to make it right ,” he comments .
One of the unique features of Jackson ’ s is the Big Boss Challenge , a food challenge
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that has garnered local fame .
Participants have 15 minutes to finish a massive burger loaded with ground beef , ham , pepperoni , bacon , cheese , and a plate of fries .
Successful challengers win a free meal and a Jackson ’ s Restaurant T-shirt . The current record stands at an impressive four minutes and 20 seconds , set by a competitive eater known for tackling food challenges nationwide .
A Bright Future in Richmond
Jackson is optimistic about the future , both for his restaurant and the city of Richmond .
The downtown area is experiencing revitalization , with new businesses opening and bringing more foot traffic to the area .
This growth is promising for Jackson ’ s Restaurant , which benefits from its prime location near the college and downtown scene .
Looking ahead , Jackson is committed to running Jackson ’ s Restaurant as long as he physically can .
He hopes to continue providing a welcoming space for his customers and a supportive work environment for his staff .
While he ’ s unsure if his son will someday take over the business , Jackson is focused on the present , ensuring that
Jackson ’ s remains a cherished part of the Richmond community .
In a city with evolving tastes and a growing culinary scene , Jackson ’ s Restaurant stands out for its dedication to quality , community , and family . Whether you ’ re a local regular or a first-time visitor , Jackson ’ s promises a meal that feels like home .
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