Brent’s Drugs opened in 1946 in the first shopping center in Mississippi. Pharmacist Alvin Brent opened it as a pharmacy and soda fountain. It was successful as both and in 1977 he sold it to a pair of pharmacists that had worked there since 1951. Pharmacist Randy Calvert bought them out in 1995 and then sold the pharmacy business in 2009 and the soda fountain became the property of Brad Reeves. The large kitchen was moved into the old pharmacy space but the fountain and bar stools remained where they had been since 1946. The kitchen was separated by a low wood wall that you could look over when you walked back the bathrooms. The large space now has booth seating on 3 rows opposite those stools. In the back is the Apothecary, a classic cocktail bar which I didn’t explore but heard about from those we mentioned Brent’s to. Service was friendly but slow. They did offfer a number of custom shake flavors which could be fun to try. It’s a piece of Jackson history with ice cream treats – don’t miss it.
Set-up
Food
The malts were made with soft serve ice cream, milk, chocolate sauce and malt powder. They came topped with some cream and a marachino cherry. A large width straw was a needed addition as there was no spoon, nor did a metal glass hold any extra. The malt itself was thick and good but the cream was thick and awful – maybe from a spray can or tub? If I went again I’d ask them to hold the toppings.
The patty melt was made with Angus beef, grilled onions, cheddar cheese and served on beautifully browned Texas toast. The tasty meat was cooked medium but still drippy with a generous amount of cheese and onions. It was good.
House cut fries were a small dice cut and dusted with something that gave them a sweet taste. Some were crispy, others totally limp. They were okay.
