The Jackson Story

Marla Jackson

Its been quite a ride for Jackson Steakhouse owner and founder, Marla Jackson. Raised on her grandparents longhorn ranch in Goliad, Texas, Marla grew up instilled with values of hardwork and resiliency. These lessons reinforced daily by herding cattle and helping with ranch upkeep. But in her grandma's kitchen she learned the wonders of food, the magical concotions that keep people going and brings them together after a long day. Marla excelled at pies, cakes, casseroles and other dishes popular in her part of Texas.

However, Marla's eye was always on her grandpa's smoker where longhorn meat would go after it had been butchered. After many months of persistent requests, her grandpa let her use the smoker during Memorial Day weekend. Marla cooked and smoked meat for 20 guests. No one went home hungry that day. Delighted and impressed by the young woman's cooking prowess, requests soon poured in for her to cook at fourths of Julys, thanksgivings, memorial days, weddings, graduations and more. In no time Marla found a side business and cultivated a new passion. But as time went by Marla recognized her need to learn more and reach the next level.

At 21 years old she enrolled in the Dallas Culinary Institute, studying 'Professional Cooking Techniques' and 'Restaurant Management'. After graduating 2 years later, she teamed up with her brother Brandon Jackson an experienced line cook and opened a smokehouse in Richardson, Texas. Despite early setbacks, the restaurant soon made a profit and became successful. Eventually the restaurant's profile rose when it was profiled by "Cook Zone", a nationally syndicated cooking channel. The profile led to many business offers and catering agreements including with the Texas Cowboys.

The Jackson Group (Jackson Steakhouse, and Jackson Catering) has three restaurant locations in Richardson, Texas where Marla and her family now call home. In addition, The Jackson Group retains catering & lunch agreements with 5 Texas athletic organizations, 8 business conferences, and 12 local businesses. Marla looks forward to leading Jackson Steakhouse into a bright and fulfilling future.

Longhorn Ranchers & Jackson Steakhouse

Jackson Steakhouse remains committed to ethical ranching practices and quality food sourcing. We continue to maintain our deep ties to the ranching community in Goliad and all across Texas. Never forgetting our ranching roots Jackson steakhouse sources all of its beef from rachers across the state of Texas, most prominent being the ranchers of Goliad, Texas. These ranchers continue a long tradition of hardwork, excellence, and service that Jackson Steakhouse is proud to be a part of. "I see a strong path forward for cooperation and closer ties with our friends in the ranching community. From all over Texas we will continue to bring food to plates and people together, yeehaw!" -Marla Jackson