Our Story - Jackson Ward
If you’ve stopped by Cheddar Jackson over the past year, you’ve probably noticed the photos in the window and on our counter toppers—or maybe even heard us mention “Our Jackson Ward Story.” That’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s the heart of everything we do.
Family and history are our secret ingredients. Every bite on our menu carries a story, a name, a memory. Take The Alice, our classic grilled cheese—it’s a warm, melty tribute to our mother and grandmother, Alice Louise King Jackson. Or the Duval Sisters, named for a trio of legendary “aunties” whose love and legacy still inspire us today. And then there’s Baby Sis—a bold, pimento cheese favorite topped with pickled jalapeños and tomatoes—named after a cousin whose nickname was just as unforgettable as the sandwich.
Our roots in Jackson Ward run deep. In the early 1930s, Alice moved from Chesterfield County with her parents to a home on Duval Street—a place that quickly became the center of family life. Later, she and her husband, Wilbur Everett Jackson, were among the first residents of Gilpin Court after his return from a tour of duty during World War II, planting even more roots in this historic neighborhood.
But it’s not just our family story that brought us here—it’s this neighborhood.
Jackson Ward is one of Richmond’s crown jewels, known far and wide as the “Harlem of the South.” In its heyday, it was a thriving hub of Black excellence—full of restaurants, music, business, and culture. From the 1920s through the 1940s, it was a place where creativity and entrepreneurship flourished, earning it the nickname “Black Wall Street.” Even today, that spirit lives on—especially during the annual Second Street Festival, when the streets come alive with celebration.
And here’s where it gets even more special for us…
After moving into our space, we discovered a long-forgotten audio recording of my grandfather, John Allen Jackson, Sr., made just days before he passed. In it, he shares stories of running his own version of a “ride-share” service—driving Black travelers from the bus station to Second Street during segregation, making sure they could find good food, great music, and a welcoming place when other parts of the city turned them away. He was part of what made Jackson Ward move!
Now we want to hear from you.
What’s your Jackson Ward story? Whether it’s a memory, a family connection, a favorite moment in the neighborhood, or your vision for the future of the neighborhood, we’d love for you to share it. Send your stories and photos to cheddarjackson@edgewoodhospitality.com, and you just might be featured in a future edition of The Melt.
Because this neighborhood isn’t just history—it’s a living story with an exciting future. And we’re honored to be part of it.