One of America’s original pop culture foodies, Julia Child, once famously said that when a meal is so beautifully arranged on a plate, “you know someone’s fingers have been all over it.” In this story, the “plate” is the Town of Braselton, and – with five restaurants beautifully arranged throughout the area – the fingerprints of Jack and Hollie Ansley are all over our little corner of the world! Under the Jack’s Brand LLC umbrella, each Ansley eatery has its own distinctive character. Still, they all have two significant things in common… 1) The food is always DELICIOUS, and 2) Each offers a vibe that’s great for gathering. The Ansleys view each as a “community center” with a growing list of loyalists. We’re thrilled to be counted among them!
For this edition of Native Noshing, the Traditions of Braselton team breaks down the concept behind every restaurant owned by this visionary husband-and-wife team, along with our vote for a favorite dish at each one.
Jack’s Restaurant & Bar – 1929 Highway 211 – EST 2007
This is where it all began! Jack’s is a tucked-away “hole in the wall” that’s been beloved by locals for nearly two decades. From its live music scene on the back patio to its surprising selection of hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, it helped spawn an empire. While first impressions may not read “fine dining,” the quality of the food certainly lives up to that designation. In addition to the aforementioned “surf and turf” offerings, Jack’s extensive menu spans from traditional pub fare like chicken wings, ribs, Philly cheesesteak, and burgers to more elevated dishes like Cajun Pasta, Grilled or Fried Shrimp Dinner, and a Catch of the Day – flown in fresh three times a week. The smoked Prime Rib on Friday nights is a MUST.
Our Favorite Dish: Jack’s Chicken Feathers – Even with all those choices listed above, this mainstay that put Jack Ansley on the map is a must-have. Available on the menus of all their restaurants, these plump and juicy chicken tenders first gained favor with locals when Jack ran the Chikin Ranch at the Pendergrass Flea Market in 2003. At Jack’s, you can enjoy four large fried chicken tenders served with french fries and slaw with a side of Jack’s homemade honey mustard dressing. You’ll thank us! Got a hankering for seafood? Our GM, Bryan, highly recommends the Fish Tacos – made with the fresh catch of the day!
Local Station – 108 Brassie Lane – EST 2017
Situated in the heart of Historic Downtown Braselton, Local Station assumed a prime spot that previously housed a gas station. Showcasing a revolving seasonal menu of chef-prepared tapas and entrees, as well as an impressive list of hand-crafted cocktails, its patio with brightly hued umbrellas is the place to see and be seen in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall. Inside, the inviting eatery boasts a full bar, friendly servers, and several intimate spaces for dining. Although its menu occasionally changes, fan favorites include the Braselton Shrimp n Grits, Chicken Caprese, and the Stuffed Pork Chops. To enhance any meal, Local Station’s seasonally inspired cocktails can really set a mood. For those who dine at Local Station multiple times a week (some even staking a claim on their favorite seat in the house), daily features offer them a little variety while allowing for each chef’s creativity.
Our Favorite Dish: Lobster Rolls – Available as one roll or two, this decadent little dish features cold water lobster topped with a lemon herb aioli served on a toasted bun with house-made chips on the side.
Jack’s Public House – 6332 Grand Hickory Drive – EST 2020
Located less than 10 miles from Traditions of Braselton on Highway 211, Jack’s Public House offers excellent food and staff to match in a “gastro-pub” atmosphere that’s casual and family-friendly. That is… until after the kids go to bed. Two bars – one indoor and one outdoor – and a selection of craft beers and cocktails make it a hotspot for nightlife, particularly on weekends. But what really sets this place apart is the FOOD! From a wide array of starters – like the PH Deviled Eggs, Pimento Cheese Balls, and Southern Nachos over Jack’s House Chips – to a carefully curated list of fresh salads, uniquely crafted burgers and sandwiches, and Southern-inspired specialties, you could try something new every time you visit and always leave happy. If you love a good brunch, be sure to visit during one of their Waffle Sundays until 3 p.m., and don’t forget to ask about the Burger of the Month to try something new. Hosting a large party or event? As the name might suggest, Jack’s Public House offers plenty of room.
Our Favorite Dish: The Fried Bologna Sandwich – This decadent dive into comfort food pairs fried bologna with a grilled cheese sandwich, further elevated by the addition of applewood bacon, a fried egg, and a dollop of mayo. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, our GM, Bryan, is a big fan of the Buffalo Chicken Salad – showcasing fried chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce and served atop a bed of salad greens, celery, grape tomatoes, bleu cheese crumble, green onions, red onions, applewood bacon, and your choice of dressing.
Re-Bar – Inside The 1904 – 9924 Davis Street – EST 2023
Marking the latest addition to Jack’s Brand LLC, Re-Bar is a speakeasy-inspired watering hole showcasing a full bar with drink flights and specialty cocktails from the 1900s. As an alternative to neighboring Local Station, it also boasts a high-end menu of salads, soups, paninis, and bowls for lunch and dinner. The perfect place for light fare, fresh ingredients drive the menu with everything from fresh-made hard seltzers to salads featuring hydroponically grown produce. Set inside The 1904 in the heart of Historic Braselton, it offers a really fun atmosphere and is the perfect place for a private rental.
Our Favorite Dish: The Mojo Chicken Panini – Perfectly seasoned and roasted chicken is topped with melted Monterey jack cheese, remoulade, and a dollop of black bean & corn salsa folded inside a pressed panini and served alongside your choice of kettle chips or pretzels.
Twenty7 – Inside the Traditions Golf & Country Club – 350 Traditions Way – EST 2020
If you are fortunate to be a member of the now-private Traditions Golf & Country Club, chances are you’ve dined at Twenty7. Jack and Hollie share ownership of this concept and the country club where it is based with Lee Botts and Jim Southard. The only Jack’s Brand LLC concept that’s located in Jefferson, it offers a classic country club vibe with a menu that just might surprise you and a calendar of special events like Wine Down Wednesdays, Trivia Nights, Weekend Brunches, and holiday buffets. Like many Ansley restaurant concepts, seasonal chef-driven menus keep it fresh and exciting. Two bars, two dining rooms, a rooftop deck overlooking the first fairway, and stunning golf course views further enhance each meal. If you haven’t had a chance to experience Twenty7, you’ll need a social or golf membership to score a table at this dining destination that is redefining the concept of country club food.
Our Favorite Dish: Pan-Seared Salmon – Always a hole-in-one with the members, this perfectly prepared hand-cut 8 oz Atlantic salmon is pan-seared with a compound herb butter and served alongside your choice of 2 sides that run the gamut from Parmesan Truffle Fries and Wild Rice Pilaf to Grilled Broccolini and Roasted Carrots.
The next time you plan to visit Traditions of Braselton in search of your dream home, schedule it around lunch or dinnertime so you can pay a visit to one of Jack and Hollie’s restaurants. Come take a tour of available homes, find inspiration in our lifestyle-enhancing amenities, and then grab a table at Jack’s, Jack’s Public House, Re-Bar, or Local Station to enjoy a great meal and discuss all the reasons you should make Traditions of Braselton your new home! To start viewing available homes, visit www.TraditionsofBraseltonHomes.com.
EXCITING NEWS! If you’re already a Jack’s Brand fan, stay tuned! Jack and Hollie hope to open an entirely new concept in neighboring Commerce in Spring 2025 called Jack’s Hideaway!
KB 1/24/25