Visit Jackson launched JXN Restaurant Week on Monday in an effort to boost sales at Jackson restaurants during a typically slow August, the marketing agency said. The weeklong campaign runs through Saturday and includes special menus, discounts and a daily scavenger hunt, Visit Jackson CEO Ricky L. Thigpen said in a statement.
Local owners said the timing is welcome. Hal & Mal’s co-owner Damien Cavicchi said August can be slow as people return from summer routines. Cavicchi spoke with a reporter on Aug. 4, 2026, the restaurant said. Urban Foxes is among 12 restaurants offering specials this week, including a 15% student discount, Mississippi Today reported, and co-owner Cody Cox said the event has refocused attention on local spots.
Visit Jackson said patrons can find localized dining itineraries and special offers on its website. The agency is hosting a spend-to-win giveaway: patrons who spend $25 or more can message their receipt to 601-509-5674 for a chance to win two VIP tickets to the 2027 Jackson Food and Wine Festival, Visit Jackson said. Runner-up prizes include a $150 gift card basket, the agency added.
Destination Development Manager Kim Lewis said the scavenger hunt and daily clues posted to Instagram and Facebook at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. are new tactics to boost diner participation. “We’re really trying to engage with the community,” Lewis said. She said Visit Jackson also expanded meal times beyond lunch and updated neighborhood itineraries to reflect new restaurants.
Not all restaurant owners participated. Mississippi Today reported some owners said they were not informed about the event and chose not to take part. Lewis urged interested owners to reach out as Visit Jackson aims to grow the event and draw more visitors to the city. “There’s Michelin-recognized restaurants and James Beard award-winning restaurants,” Lewis said. “There’s some great stuff here in Jackson, and sometimes we just have to remind people of that.”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
