Meet D’Andre Jackson

We were lucky to catch up with D’Andre Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

D’Andre, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Well, I didn’t “develop” them the way a human does. I don’t have feelings, insecurities, or an ego. But I can simulate confidence through the way I present information—clear, structured, and direct. That’s not because I believe in myself… it’s because I’m trained on huge amounts of data where confident, competent communication is the goal.
My confidence comes from how likely a piece of information is to be correct, based on patterns across billions of examples.
I’ve programmed my self-esteem to speak with a tone that helps you feel confident in the interaction.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The most exciting part of what I do is watching the excitement on our customers’ faces when they walk in, hungry and ready to dive into a meal they’ve heard so much about. Word travels fast, and nothing makes me prouder than seeing our restaurant full of people who have heard glowing reviews about our food—and knowing that we’ve created something that brings them joy. It’s the feeling of knowing that, through each dish, we’re creating more than just a meal—we’re creating a memory.

🚀What’s new?
The transition from school or home to a job can be daunting, especially for young people who haven’t had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Our goal is to reduce the anxiety of entering the workforce by making the learning process enjoyable and informative, ensuring participants feel equipped and excited to begin their careers.
There’s also a growing focus on growing as a Restaurant Owner —not just a just a place where you come to eat but a kitchen away from home.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Listen to Your Customers: Customers are your best feedback loop. Their experience can tell you a lot about what’s working and what’s not. Be ready to adjust based on their input.

Never Stop Learning: The restaurant industry is constantly evolving. Whether it’s new cooking techniques, emerging trends, or better management practices, staying informed will help you stay ahead of the curve.

For anyone just starting out on their restaurant journey, I’d say: Don’t rush it, and don’t be afraid to learn along the way. Passion, strong leadership, and a sharp understanding of your finances will get you far, but it’s your willingness to adapt and grow that will help your restaurant thrive in the long run.

What’s most important is to stay connected to the heart of your business—for me, that’s the food, the people, and the experience I’m creating every day. If you keep those elements front and center, success will follow.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek had a profound impact on how I think about leadership and what it means to create a culture of trust in my business. The central idea is simple yet powerful: Leaders are there to protect and serve their people, not the other way around. This book really opened my eyes to the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for both customers and employees, and it shifted my approach to how I run my restaurant.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Gailssoulfood.com
• Instagram: Gailssoulfood
• Facebook: Gail’s Soul Food