The Buffet That Builds Futures: A Tennessee Icon's Winning Formula

JACKSON, TN – July 01, 2026 – For the fourth consecutive year, Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store has landed on the USA TODAY 10Best list of the nation's top buffets, securing the No. 4 spot for the second year running. While the press release celebrates the consistent quality of its Southern-Soul comfort food, the real story behind this third-generation family business goes far beyond the steam table. In a landscape where restaurant trends come and go, this Tennessee institution has crafted a durable model of success by innovating not through constant change, but through unwavering consistency, deep community integration, and a strategic vision that turns a nostalgic meal into a powerful economic engine.

A Recipe for Enduring Success

The foundation of the Old Country Store’s national acclaim is its steadfast dedication to a simple, powerful concept: authentic Southern hospitality served alongside classic comfort food. Founded in May 1965 by Brooks Shaw and his wife Anne, the restaurant began as a small lunch counter attached to an antique museum. Today, 61 years later, it operates on the same core principles. The buffet line—featuring staples like crispy fried chicken, fried catfish, house-smoked meats, and a host of vegetable sides from turnip greens to redskin mashed potatoes—is a masterclass in operational consistency. A particular favorite, the hot water cornbread cooked on a griddle in the center of the buffet, serves as a tangible symbol of the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and tradition.

This is not a business chasing culinary fads. Instead, its innovation lies in its ability to perfectly replicate a high-quality, comforting experience for the more than 650,000 guests it serves annually. Maintaining this level of quality at scale, day after day for decades, requires a sophisticated understanding of supply chains, food preparation, and staff training. The longevity of the team, with some members serving for over 40 years, is a testament to an internal culture that values experience and dedication, ensuring the recipes and service standards that built the brand are passed down and preserved.

More Than a Meal: A Model of Community Capitalism

Beyond the headlines of national awards lies the restaurant’s most profound impact: its role as a pillar of the Jackson, Tennessee community. The Old Country Store has a long-standing, public commitment to being a “second-chance workplace.” This initiative provides steady employment and a supportive, accountable environment for individuals in recovery from substance abuse and those with special needs. This isn't a peripheral charity project; it's a core tenet of the company's operational philosophy, deeply integrated into its hiring and management practices.

The program has earned significant local and state-level recognition. In late 2023, the Greater Jackson Chamber named the Old Country Store its Business of the Year, citing not only its longevity but its deep community dedication. State officials involved in mental health and substance abuse services have publicly commended the business for its positive and tangible impact on the recovery community. By investing in individuals who are often overlooked, the company is building a loyal, dedicated workforce while actively addressing one of the region's most pressing social challenges. It’s a powerful example of how a for-profit enterprise can generate immense social capital, strengthening the community that it serves.

The Business of Nostalgia: Anchoring a Modern Tourism Hub

The Old Country Store is not a standalone restaurant; it is the anchor tenant and primary draw for Casey Jones Village, a sprawling 30-acre tourist attraction located conveniently off Interstate 40. This strategic positioning transforms a simple meal stop into a multi-hour destination experience. The village, themed around the legendary railroad engineer Casey Jones, includes the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, a nostalgic ice cream parlor, gift shops, mini golf, and even an art gallery featuring local artists. This symbiotic relationship is a key driver of the business's economic success. The restaurant draws visitors to the village, and the village’s attractions encourage restaurant patrons to extend their stay, browse the shops, and engage with other paid activities.

This model demonstrates a keen understanding of modern consumer behavior, particularly among travelers. By bundling food, entertainment, history, and shopping, Casey Jones Village captures a larger share of tourist spending and creates a memorable, family-friendly brand. The restaurant’s consistent national ranking serves as a powerful marketing tool, reinforcing the village’s status as a must-visit Tennessee destination and driving significant economic activity for the broader Jackson area.

Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Investing in the Next 60 Years

While rooted in tradition, the business is actively planning for its future. The recent promotion of the founder's grandson, Brooks Shaw, to President in late 2024 marked a formal transition to third-generation leadership, ensuring the family's vision continues. Shaw's active role on the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association board demonstrates a commitment to shaping the industry's future, not just participating in it. This forward-looking approach is also visible in the company’s capital investments. A multi-million dollar project to add a drive-thru for its Dixie Café, initiated in late 2023, shows a clear strategy to adapt to modern demands for convenience without altering the core sit-down buffet experience that defines the main brand.

This blend of preservation and adaptation is the essence of the company's enduring success. As it navigates its seventh decade, the leadership remains focused on the people who make it possible. "This honor belongs to our Team Members, who bring genuine Southern hospitality to the table every single day, and to the thousands of Guests, longtime locals and traveling families alike, who keep choosing us," said Brooks Shaw. "Our buffet has proudly served generations for 60 years, and our loyal Guests remain at the heart of everything we do."