Jackson Free Press

For the past two years, Tye's Restaurant and Bar in the Plaza Building on Congress street served as an after-work meeting place for professionals and fine-dining favorite among locals.

Plaza Building owner Mike Peters told the Jackson Free Press today that Tye Densford, a father of three, recently made the decision to close Tye's to focus on his family. Debbie Rankin, owner of Basil's at the Plaza, decided to rent the space to keep the neighborhood tradition alive.

Rankin said Congress Street Bar and Grill, a causal restaurant and bar, is set to open in mid April.

"It's going to be less of a fine dining restaurant, and more of a neighborhood place like Cheers, where everyone knows each other's name," Rankin said.

Congress Street Bar and Grill will serve a full lunch menu that will include New Orleans-inspired dishes such as muffalettas, pastas and gourmet burgers. In the evenings, the bar and grill will serve appetizers only and offer a full bar for libations.

Currently, Rankin is renovating the space and creating a "comfortable and fun" atmosphere. She has removed the red velvet couches, chandeliers, and the black and red color scheme.

The new bar and grill will include artwork from local artist Ginger Williams and bistro tables.

Rankin, a Jackson native, has spent the majority of her career in the restaurant business. She has opened restaurants in New Orleans and Mobile. She also opened the original Roosters in Jackson in 1984.

Peters said the new venture is a great addition to downtown Jackson.

"Debbie is going to try and be more casual," he says. "There will still be a bar and parties, but it is going to be a different atmosphere. It will be a like a New Orleans-style corner bistro."

Previous Comments

ID

156547

Comment

Thanks you Debbie Rankin for keeping a downtown spot alive!

Author

Lori Kincses

Date

2010-03-05T15:27:35-06:00

ID

156548

Comment

Nice...I hope her effort is successful.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2010-03-05T15:32:14-06:00

ID

156562

Comment

Go Debbie!! The best of luck in your new venture. Karen Parker

Author

kkparker

Date

2010-03-06T14:08:31-06:00

ID

156574

Comment

Go Debbie! Great idea for the space!!! I will come try the muffaleta, mmmmmm

Author

Izzy

Date

2010-03-08T09:04:36-06:00