New Ownership, Same Great Experience: Rooster's Continues Its Legacy in Fondren

After 22 years as a beloved cornerstone of Fondren, Rooster's is entering an exciting new chapter while maintaining everything that has made it a neighborhood favorite.

Jeffries

Matt Jeffries is acquiring the restaurant in Fondren Corner from the Glenn family, bringing fresh energy and seasoned restaurant experience to a time-tested formula. Though this location operates under a licensing agreement—independently from the Flowood Rooster's/Basil's combo which continues to be operated by the Glenn family—both share the same commitment to quality and fresh ingredients.

"I would be a fool if I totally closed it and tried to invent a new concept," Jeffries explains. "There's nothing broken here. The food is consistent, it's high quality, and it's made fresh every day." Since integrating into the business in the summer of 2025, Jeffries has worked closely with the Glenn family to ensure a seamless transition that honors the restaurant's established excellence.

What Makes Rooster's Special

What makes Rooster's work after all these years? According to Jeffries, it's "dedication to the craft and the ability to create a quality product and deliver it consistently every time." That dedication shows in every detail – from their fresh-made bread and fresh, never-frozen beef and chicken, to their beloved blue plates, crispy chicken tenders, and signature banana pudding that keeps regulars coming back multiple times a week.

The restaurant's origins trace back 40 years to Tim Glenn's original location on Roach Street in Downtown Jackson. The family expanded to Clinton at a bowling alley before being recruited to Fondren by Mike Peters, where they've been serving the neighborhood since 2003.

Rooster's famous burger and handbreaded onion rings

Experience and Vision for the Future

Jeffries brings valuable restaurant experience from his time at establishments like Shapley's and Julep, where he learned the importance of dedication and consistency from industry professionals. "I think in order to be in this business, you've got to be there," he reflects on lessons learned from working with committed restaurateurs who showed up every day.

While the core experience remains unchanged, Jeffries has plans to enhance what's already great. Beer will return to the menu. "Beer and a hamburger, I mean, what?" Jeffries, who was most recently COO of Fertile Ground Beer Co., says. The restaurant will also expand its catering services, targeting the growing medical corridor and specialty offices surrounding its Fondren location.

Perfect Timing for Fondren's Growth

The timing couldn't be better, with hundreds of new residential units planned for the neighborhood in the coming years. "I'm walkable, and we're open all day from 10:30 to 8 with no closed downtime," Jeffries notes. "We can appeal to a pretty broad audience."

For Jeffries, this opportunity represents more than just business; it's about continuing to build on what has long been here. "It's not about me, and it's not necessarily about this restaurant, but it's about continuing to make our community thrive and watching it grow."

Paul Wolf

Author

Paul Wolf

Paul is the Director of Destination Storytelling at Visit Jackson, managing the website, Soul Sessions podcast, and travel journalism initiatives. Drawing on three decades in communications, he brings expertise in writing, photography, video, and podcasting to showcase what makes Jackson special. When he's not working, Paul explores the local food scene, seeks out great craft beer and coffee, and never passes up good BBQ or an afternoon in his hammock.
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