Meet Jimmie Jackson: owner & Chef at JJC ( Jimmie Jerk Chicken)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmie Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Well, Prior to COVID-19 I was working 2 Jobs As a Craft Bartender and had Just Started doing Pop-up Dinners. Before that I launched my Jerk Seasonings line in 2015. I did a Jerk Marinade & Jerk Dry Rub. But when COVID-19 hit, I was Furlong and lost both of my Jobs which pushed me to go Completely Full time with my Business
JJC , which is Jimmie Jerk Chicken and Focus on my Catering. It was Definitely a Need in my community. So the most important decision I Made was Believing in myself and making That leap.
I had already set the Ground work prior to COVID-19.

What should our readers know about your business?

Well my jerk preparations were encouraged by his friends, I began entering in Jerk competitions in 2010. Within 2 years of competing, I won 2012 Top chef at Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival, Most recently, I took 1st place in the Publix cook off at the Jamaican Jerk Festival in 2013, The Largest and the longest running Festival in South Florida. I have never placed worse than 3rd place in any Jerk cook-off. Jimmie has participated in cook-offs in Atlanta, North Carolina, Miami, and Oakland, California. He has recently took 2nd place in Oakland people’s choice at the Jamaican Jerk cook-off fundraiser www.Jamaicanjerkcook.com
Even after that It was Hard to find and keep business for Catering and even harder to get my Seasonings in Stores Locally.
Finding Capital is always the hardest thing. Do to COVID-19. I was able to get some financial relief to help Jump start my Business. The lesson I learn is to always believe in your self, nothing happens over night. STAY POSITIVE and KEEP PUSHING.
I haven’t reach all my total Goals but I can see the light at the End of the Tunnel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, Far As Atlanta, definitely take them up to Ga Wine Country, The Cottage, serenity, Yonah Mountain outside of Helen GA. Have a picnic and Wine is always Fun.
Next probably check out Down town for any museum like The King center or the Atlanta Aquarium.
I’m a Foodie so we’d hit Krog street market and the Beltline for Art as well.
Next definitely check out local Breweries halfway Crooks, Monday night , 3 Taverns etc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out To Muss & Turner’s (restaurant I worked at) for Allowing the flexibility at work, They allowed my to have my weekends available for caterings opportunities and Growing my small business. They also sold my products at the restaurant and used my seasonings as Special from Time to Time. Great folks over there Todd Mussman & Ryan Turner.

I’d also like to Shout out  Chris Caribbean Bistro! The Owner Chris Campbell and son Ryan Campbell has Allowed me to us their restaurant for many of My Pop-up events.
They definitely were the Catalyst of my POP-UPS

Website: JJCJERK.COM

Email: Jimmiejerkchicken@gmail.com

Instagram: @atljerkking

Twitter: @JJCJERK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjcjerk/