Brent’s Drugs, Jackson, MS., 3/26/26

exterior – 809 Manship St, Jackson, MS 39202-2028

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. Continue reading

King’s Sandwich Shop, Durham, 3/30/22

exterior – 701 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701

King’s Sandwich Shop is a family-run business that is an icon in Durham, symbolizing the simplicity of days gone by.  The original shop opened shortly after WWII, but closed in 2007 needing major rehabilitation.  It was bought by the McDermott family in 2009 and re-opened in 2010.  The corner building has limited parking out front but street parking is available.  They serve burgers, hot dogs, lots of other sandwiches,  breakfast, vegetarian hot dogs and fries along with milkshakes at at walk up counter with another window to pick up your food.  They have picnic tables and bathrooms around the side to eat at if you want to stay on site.  Many seemed to take the food to-go.  It is only open for lunch.  The place was a real throw-back and this time the food was good too.  The shake was amazing. A fun stop on your tour of the area. Continue reading