When I took the first bite of Smothered Chicken I could tell everything was made from scratch. I wanted to know more about this place and why this food was not being served in a restaurant building with servers and hostesses.

“We are an anomolie for sure. How we have made it blows my mind."

"We have not spend a single advertising dollar. Everything we get goes back into the business. We are an oasis in a growing part of Lake Charles,” owner Chad Jackson admitted jubilantly.

Jackson's Deli is a plate lunch restaurant where the menu is never set in stone except for Taco Tuesdays. But it is so much more than that. Everything is hand-made from scratch and Jackson places the stamp of good product on every meal he prepares.

Although the deli's setup is meager, Jackson's ideas and dreams are big.

“I would like to be able to deliver meal replacements. I feel like the days where we eat dinner together and converse as a family are gone. I want that back. I want people to be able to go on a website and pick from a few different meals and have it cooked and delivered to their house.”

“I also want to deliver sandwiches, soups, and salads to offices. That has been successful in other cities, especially if you can give them the same freshness in the sandwiches. Offer three different types of each and use handmade mayo. People would really love it.”

Jackson has enjoyed success in California having his own business there. He has brought a little of the Cali flavor over here and has great stories of catering for the likes of Steve Young. Jackson is a perfectionist and makes sure his product speaks for itself. His philosophy covers all the small things too.

“We did an article with Archie Hebert and during the interview I told him we treat everyone who comes into the door with respect. That's been kind of our motto around here. Food is about soul; it's about passion.”

While most Lake Charles residents are still in bed dreaming of their lunch destinations, Jackson is at the restaurant preparing the kitchen for a days work of breakfast and lunch.

Lake Charles residents are encouraged to reserve one day a week and make that Jackson's Deli day. For more info on hours and meals, call 513-9987.