City of Goose Creek

When he began cooking at nine years old, it did not take long to realize that D’Andre Jackson had an incredible talent in the kitchen. Today, he is sharing that talent with Goose Creek.

Jackson is the owner and operator of Gail’s Soul Food, which has built a growing and loyal following since it opened in 2021. The restaurant is located in the Berkeley Square shopping center at 102 Berkeley Square Lane, Unit G.

Gail’s Soul Food is named after Jackson’s mother, who was and is a great role model for him. Growing up in Charleston, Jackson watched her closely, both in the kitchen and in life. The single mother of three kids “would go to the store and buy ingredients – canned goods, meat, rice -- and make it last for the week,” he said. “I watched her cook these items in many different ways.”

His mother was the watchful eye when her son cooked for the first time at nine. “Fried chicken,” he said with a laugh. “The most dangerous thing to cook.” 

The chicken was a success that day – and a lifelong passion officially began. Decades later, after beginning his professional career in the health industry and later working for a cellular phone company, Jackson decided to turn his passion into a business. “I knew that one of my talents is cooking,” he said. “I thought, I can really figure this thing out and turn this into a business for myself. I wanted to be my own owner of my talent, and to be an entrepreneur.”

Jackson saved up to purchase cooking equipment he’d need. He soon found a space that would work for a restaurant. And then, he took the plunge. It was a risk that has paid off, both for Jackson and Goose Creek.

Jackson’s favorite part of cooking is the reaction of the people he’s feeding, whether they are friends and family at home or customers at Gail’s. 

“When I see people eat, and the joy in their faces … soul food is food that feeds the soul,” he said. “It’s the kind of food that makes you happy. There is so much flavor in soul food, with different types of seasoning. It really does make you happy – it can change your mood.”

The menu at Gail’s Soul Food includes favorites like baked or fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, fried fish and more, coupled with sides such as collards, green beans, cabbage, candied yams, macaroni & cheese, and rice & gravy. Daily specials include BBQ ribs on Thursdays and Turkey Wings on Sundays, which Jackson called his busiest day. 

Like any great chef, Jackson is particular about every dish, and he prepares all of the main courses by himself … except on Fridays, when a Red Rice and Fish special is cooked by his mother.  “She’ll come in once a week,” he said with a smile.

The restaurant is staffed by 12 employees and is open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner, and for lunch on Tuesday. It has been such a success that Jackson is exploring turning Gail’s into a franchise, and has already checked out potential sites in Charlotte, Atlanta and even the West Coast. 

The business is hard work, but Jackson does not hesitate when asked what his advice is for young people: “Try it,” he said. “Do it. It’s your talent. You’ll come to challenges, every entrepreneur does. But don’t give up. Keep trying, and turn your dreams into a reality.”

« Back to News