Jackson Free Press

As I admired the various portraits of jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll artists that hang on the walls of Hal & Mal's, I was greeted by Anne Friday, 34, of Jackson. Then this amazing woman took the time to sit down and share with me a few experiences in her life that have made her who she is today.

"Anyone who knows me understands that what you see is what you get," Friday said. Indeed, people tell me she is one of the most direct people they know.

Friday began by describing her early years growing up in Jackson: "I was raised by three extremely strong women and a grandfather who has instilled in me the traits of a good man," Friday explained. Her family has always taught her that women have a place outside the kitchen. "No matter what I do, I will always know that I have strong values and a family who is very supportive," she added.

After graduating from Murrah High School in 1989, Friday attended Jackson State University and Hinds Community College. As time passed, she began working at Hal & Mal's. She has been an employee, and a fixture, there for six years now.

"Some of the perks of working here are the friendships that I have developed with the crew and the fact that I am involved with one of the biggest music scenes in Jackson," Friday explained. "I love working as a team, knowing that a hundred people could be here, and we can take care of them. The crew works so good together. We just flow."

When she is not working, she enjoys reading, listening to live music and spending time with her four children: Patrick, 14, Meaghan, 10, Ashley-Anne, 6, and Shelby, 3.

"My kids and I love to watch old movies and horror movies; it's probably one of my favorite ways of bonding other than working crossword puzzles with my son, Patrick, or making jewelry with Meahgan," Friday said.

Friday may not be a chick musician herself, but this chick's life is steeped in music. "I associate everything that goes on in my life with music," she said. Friday enjoys listening to Elvis Costello, Duran Duran, Maroon 5 and John Mayer.

She also loves taking her two oldest kids to Jubilee!JAM. "It's one of my favorite events," she said, smiling.

Previous Commentsshow

Wow.... She really is one amazing woman. Four kids, no husband, and working as a waitress. I really admire that. That takes a lot of skill and character. She is easily one of the most unpleasant waitresses in Jackson.

PUDDINTANG

Jun 9 2005

Pudd, I certainly wouldn't have guessed that you, of all bloggers, would so concerned with pleasantries. But fortunately for you, Anne, me and the rest of us, it takes much more than being pleasant to make the world go round. Anne is one of my favorite people in Jackson, and I admire her work ethic, her spirit and her directness. Many people could learn great lessons from her.

DonnaLadd

Jun 9 2005

"I am currently working on Anne Friday inspired haiku," says the mom without the husband. Seriously, I'm so happy to see Anne's face in this week's JFP. She's a great judge of character, that's for sure, and she's been right on the money every time I've brought a date in Hal and Mal's. I just wish she'd find some free time for a girl night. She's also a great karaoke'er. I can't believe she didn't mention that.

emilyb

Jun 9 2005

Right on soul sistah,... I really got no beef with Tommy and Charlie... those are my boys,... but there is no denyin the waitstaff is subpar. Viva la Sandbox!

PUDDINTANG

Jun 10 2005

stepsister, Keller rocks! The man is funny, quick, and always nice. Not to mention makes a gin and tonic that will make your liver quiver. My partner is a waiter/bartender and I'll tell you that most people who get crappy service are CRAPPY TABLES that are never pleased regardless of how far the waiter bends over and takes it for $.02 or $20 left over from the tab. On that knowledge, y'all might have a reputation that precedes you because I've never had a subpar (for Jackson) experience at Hal & Mal's. I have had some bad experiences (based on a full-house and standing-room only crowds) which were situational rather than reflective of employees. If we're talking about Jackson restaurants, H&Ms is average at least if not better. I could easily start a list of "Jackson favorites" where you MIGHT or MIGHT NOT ever have a waiter say "hello" much less bring food because the establishment is too damned uppity (and you're not) or the waiters are over-worked, over-staffed, and usually higher than a kite.

kaust

Jun 10 2005

OK, you guys, this thing has gotten too personal. I can understand thinking waiters or bartenders or rude, but I suggest that you tip them poorly when they are. That's what I do, including people at places I go to locally. I used to wait tables and tend bar, and there is no excuse for rudenessóunless you're responding to rudeness (one time I beat a guy over the head with my tray when I was waitressing at the Palladium in NYC because he tried to tickle my underarm as I walked through a crowd with the try over my head. But that was an extreme scenario. ). Anyway, this serves as notice that the personal insults of specific people stops here. A forum like this isn't the place for it, because it's personal and becausewhether you have legitimate beefs or not, because there is no way of knowing, for instance, if you work for a competitors. Crap like that happens all the time. So please stop the talk about specific people. Besides, this is a piece about Anne Friday, and no one else. The only thing I will add, in a general way, is that if y'all are insulted by "unpleasant" waiters in Jackson, don't ever walk into a diner in NYC. Gruff staff is one of their charms. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Jun 10 2005

stepsister, if you do not understand the difference between personal attacks and civil conversation, I suggest you move on to one of those other publications. They'll be happy to have your comments, I'm sure. But no more of this stuff here, and I don't care who it's about. Last call.

DonnaLadd

Jun 10 2005

LOL... stepsister, actually, it's not called censoring... It's called MODERATING. There's a huge difference but I assume you're not reading this at this point. Further, the other blogs do not practice moderation so technically JFP WOULD BE an alternative to the NORM. But I'm just feeding a troll... Would you like your check now or dessert?

kaust

Jun 10 2005

yeah stepsister, you are using the wrong forum to call out waitstaff at a restaurant. This piece adds to the overall "chicks are cool" thing that JFP has going on this week!

tortoise

Jun 10 2005

Did I miss an opportunity to drink? Isn't there some rule about drinking when someone calls us a name like a left-winged nut job? I guess I'll have to stop by and let Anne or Keller serve me a nice gin & tonic on the way home!

kaust

Jun 10 2005

stepsister's account has been suspended and her comments riddled with personal insults about individual people have been deleted. I will also delete some of the direct responses to her above, as they don't make much sense anymore. All, please read the User Agreement and respect the rules of civil discussion. The Web site of the Jackson Free Press is not a place for ad hominem attacks on people. You can scream "censorship" all you want, but you will be suspended and those insults deleted if you violate your agreement and post them anyway. Please learn to take personal responsibility for your comments here, and think before you hit "submit."

DonnaLadd

Jun 10 2005

Sounds like a good response. ;-) Always, making a good cocktail out of lemons, eh, Knol? ;-)

DonnaLadd

Jun 10 2005

I can't believe some of the comments I've read on here. I'm glad several were deleted. I go to Hal & Mal's just to see Ann. She goes out of her way to say hey everytime I see her. No offense to any other staff there, but I want Ann to wait on me everytime I go. She is an asset to where ever she works. Thanks Ann!

golfer

Jun 11 2005

I just got the chance to read the comments posted for the Jacksonian I did on Anne Friday... If you ask me, I feel very lucky to have met Anne Friday. She is truly an amazing person. After the interview, we had a really interesting discussion on a range of topics... Why do some people always end up holding resentment, or 'beef' or whatever you want to call it, against another person? Maybe I shouldn't even ask... Thank you for getting rid of rude comments like that. I appreciate it. Peace... BR

brittney

Jun 12 2005

I personally don't see why all the backlash because this person doesn't agree that Anne is one of Jackson's best waitresses. The poster has the right their opinion doesn't he/she. I mean I've been in Hal and Mal's and Anne has just been a waitress. Nothing spectacular and to the same credit nothing awful. So, I can believe that on an off night she may not have been the most spirited waitress. Point is, you don't just serve regulars with a smile and some words of encouragement. I believe she and those alike should spend more time focusing on the folks who are not sure to come back to offer them a hand of welcome. That I didn't receive and have not been enthused to go back. Whereas, if I had, I just might be more willing. I am keeping in mind that I missed all the negative things that were deleted, however, I do feel like if you can post wonderfully magnificent opinions, you may as well post the ones that are tactfully and factually not as pleasant. Good luck to Anne and congratulations or being recognized.

Queen601

Jun 13 2005

You folks need to start reading! This profile wasn't intended to paint Anne as the best waitress in Jackson. It's a brief portrait of an amazing woman who is one of the many faces of this city, for better or for worse. Yeah, she's got her bad days and her down times (who the hell doesn't?), but all-in-all, she's one strong, hilarious, badass lady who has had to overcome some serious struggles in her 34 years. Keep the hating and the socio-psychotherapy away from here. Anne deserves this brief, but important, moment in the sun. Go grab something at O'Charley's or something. ps: yeah. karaoke? she OWNS it when she's singin'. go watch sometime.

Jay

Jun 13 2005

Jay wrote: You folks need to start reading! Speaking of reading: Tangential link.

Ex

Jun 13 2005

The article may not be meant to paint Anne in that fashion but my comment was based on previous posts. The conversation had gone a bit further than the intent of the article however, I don't think there is anything wrong with healthy discussion. What conversation doesn't deviate a bit. Good Lord with all the well wishers on here, Anne should be very proud of herself as many of you have proven to be. And I repeat congruatulations to Anne on the feature and on being able to pull off getting an article in print for being what most women are today, STRONG, BADASS women who have overcome hard times in some fashion.

Queen601

Jun 14 2005

Queen, I deleted ugly ad hominem attacks against individuals per our user agreement. It did not amount to healthy discussion. We're not disagreeing on the need for healthy discussion, so we might as well move on and have someóthat isótalk more about actual ideas, which is why I provide this forum to all of you. It is not provided for personal attacks, pure and simple. Thanks, Donna Ladd

DonnaLadd

Jun 14 2005

I understand that. I thought there may have been somethings that I missed. I tell you what, with all this talk about Ms. Friday and her kareoke skills, I might just have to go check her out!!!! Thank you.

Queen601

Jun 14 2005