Jackson Free Press

One of Jackson's hottest watering holes is giving patrons a chance to take in some fresh air with the addition of an outdoor bar area. Underground 119 Chef and General Manager Tom Ramsey reported Monday that the first weekend of the outdoor bar and lounging area was a huge success.

"It went great," Ramsey said. "People really seemed to like it. They got to hang out outside under some clear skies in nice weather. It's something we've been wanting to do for a while."

Ramsey opened a full bar behind the President Street location, with "New Orleans boogie-woogie" music pumped through a wireless sound system, park benches and big, round tables to sit around for atmosphere.

It's just one of several changes Ramsey is working on as the business grows. The next step, he says, is to open a restaurant named Roux on the first floor, one flight of stairs above the underground jazz and blues club.

"Our food sales have gotten to the point where (the demand) merits its own restaurant," Ramsey said. "So we're going to move it to the first floor. It's going to be modern southern cuisine. We hope to open by fall."

Ramsey added that they are keeping their chef a secret until the restaurant opens.

In the meantime, Ramsey said the outdoor bar will return every weekend, "at least until the weather gets miserable."

Leadership Jackson's New Leader

Leadership Jackson is getting a new alumni association president. The organization announced Tuesday that Kayla Paul-Lindsey would assume the open position immediately.

Paul-Lindsey is a 2010 graduate of the program and a 27-year veteran of the accounting world.

"I got involved as soon as I graduated," Paul-Lindsey said. "I love Leadership Jackson and what it does for us in developing leaders for the city of Jackson."

Paul-Lindsey said she plans to re-engage former members of the program and get them to join the alumni association, which already has more than 1,000 members. She said she will do that by "providing value" to memberships and holding fast "to the purpose and the mission that was developed 26 years ago."

Paul-Lindsey will be introduced at the annual meeting of the alumni association at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20.

Fischer Galleries' New Location

Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St.) is moving to a new location this fall. According to owner Marcy Fischer, the new location will still be in Fondren, and Fischer Galleries will be operating out of a temporary location until the new location is finished. Fischer would not disclose either location at this time. The gallery will be available for consultations and sales during the transition.

High on Thai

Mellow Mushroom at Dogwood Festival is running a "High on Thai" promotion through July 14. During this time Mellow Mushroom is offering a menu of specialty Thai dishes including salads, hoagies, pizzas and desserts. Dishes include chicken curry pops, a sriracha veggie-crunch hoagie, "Thai Dye Pizza" and drinks such as the "Thai One On" and "Siam Cooler."

Backyard Burger Reopens

Fondren's Backyard Burger (2601 N. State St.), which had been closed for renovations, reopened May 19. The renovated restaurant features two new additions: Hazel Coffee, a new business created by Backyard Burger local owner Bridgforth Rutledge, and the renovated building also houses a Smoothie King.