Jackson Free Press

Earnestine Bowden remembers the golden old days of Lynch Street. A Jackson native and a graduate of Lanier High School and Jackson State University, Bowden, 60, used to eat breakfast at the Penguin Restaurant and go out at the Red Carpet Club, when the historic area was bustling.

"When I was growing up, it was real active, with lots of people walking," Bowden told the Jackson Free Press. "Now it seems like it's died."

But Bowden is attempting to give the area new life, with her barbecue and seafood restaurant, The Rib Shack. Bowden opened the restaurant in late July with co-owner James Kimble, who has operated barbecue restaurants in Atlanta. This is Bowden's first restaurant venture, but she has the business in her blood. Bowden's parents ran the old Jackland Restaurant on Farish and Griffith streets, and the dry-rubbed ribs and potato-salad recipes at the Rib Shack are her mother's.

Bowden is mindful of history in more than just the food she serves. She chose to locate the restaurant in a historic brick building that used to house Chambliss Shoes. An old shoeshine bench still runs along part of one wall in The Rib Shack. Bodwen hopes that her investment in Lynch Street will inspire others.

"I would like to see the whole area come back," Bowden said.

The Rib Shack (932 J.R. Lynch Street) is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Call 601-665-4952.

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