Jackson Free Press

Lest we forget, eateries can also include those convenient places where one may stop in and pick up food to take home and enjoy in front of the fireplace or your favorite TV show. In that case, Sweet Daddy's Smokehouse at the Exxon, 366-6933, on the corner of Northside and McWillie, certainly qualifies as an eatery. For the past 16 years or so, Mr. Johnny has in charge of the tiny building with the smokestack right beside the store. That's where he gets the meat that's ready for customers, seven days a week, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. "It's all dry rub, no sauce," he told me recently, and the chicken is strictly rotisserie. On the menu: slab ribs, $13; half slab ribs, $6.75; whole chicken, $7.00; half chicken, $3.75; pork chop, $2.75; pork chop po-boy, $3.25; po-boy roll, $.50. Mr. Johnny says he's cooked for the company, meaning whoever owned the gas station. I asked if he knew Gene Methvin—"He was the first one, the very first one, and a fine man, too," he responded.

Close to the Sweet Daddy's, Broad Street Bakery at Banner Hall is a take-out and sit-down sort of eatery. Right now you can make an order for all sorts of goodies—pastries, breads, soups, salads, side dishes, main course or desserts—for your Christmas repast. Call 362-2900, ext. 4, by Dec. 20 for pick-up on Dec. 24 by 3 p.m. All orders will be confirmed by telephone; that's when you'll give them your credit card number, but you won't be charged for anything until you pick-up your order. You can even pick your pick-up time, starting as early as 9 a.m.

Another busy eatery further west on Northside is Barbalina's Bar-B-Que & R. C.'s Kitchen, 975, W. Northside Dr., 982-1707. Owner and entrepreneur R. C. Hendrix says his ribs and rib tips are the favorites of many of the customers he's had over the past 12 years in the charming restaurant. A sign posted in the window tells you the hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and "Sunday – coming soon." For a mere $5.49, you can get a lunch entrée, two vegetables and regular tea. The BBQ Rib and Sausage Plate with a side is just $6.94. Daily Specials and other offerings are posted on the Coca Cola menu hanging behind the counter. It also says, right in the middle beneath the picture of Coca Cola pouring into a cup, "For All Your Catering Needs Barbalina's BBQ & Diane's Catering"—sounds like a winner to me. Like I said, Mr. Hendrix is an entrepreneur. Also in the building is Hendrix Beauty & Barber & Nails Shop (alterations done, too). On the lot are RC's Detail Shop and a little building that sells sno-cones in the hot weather. Hendrix told me he soon will be selling biscuits and coffee out of the sno-cone house. And there's a used-car lot on site, too.