In this special segment from Episode #1,102 of The Clay Edwards Show on WYAB, host Clay Edwards sits down with Joseph Stodghill, owner of Martin's Downtown and Martin's Livingston, for an in-depth interview on the iconic Jackson staple.

 

Joseph shares the rich history of Martin's, founded in 1953 as a simple beer spot and deli before evolving into a beloved blue-plate lunch destination. He recounts how his family, originally in the tire business with Bickton Tire, entered the restaurant world when his father bought Martin's in 1997 from original owner Martin Lester—a close family friend. From its early locations near State Street to the current spot since the mid-1980s, Joseph's stories highlight the bar's transformation from a redneck mecca alongside Shooter's Supply and Big Ten Tires to a vibrant community hub.

 

Clay and Joseph reminisce about riding out Hurricane Katrina at Martin's, where they never lost power and served as a lifeline for locals with food, ice, and drinks amid widespread outages. They discuss the challenges of restaurant life, including consistency in dishes like fried pork chops and country-fried steak, and personal battles with addiction in the industry.

 

The conversation turns to resilience during tough times: Joseph's decision to reopen Martin's after 30 days of COVID shutdowns, facing police visits but standing firm to keep staff employed. He credits a pre-installed water filtration system for navigating Jackson's water crises without major disruption.

 

Looking forward, Joseph talks expansions at Martin's Livingston—a former church now hosting weddings, concerts, and community events like crawfish boils and mini parades. He praises the new Jackson mayor's pro-business approach, improved law enforcement collaboration, and plans for safer St. Patrick's Day parades with potential metal detectors and controlled perimeters. Exciting updates include official rodeo after-parties at Martin's Downtown both weekends.

 

Tune in for heartfelt tales of Jackson's past, present challenges, and bright future from a true local visionary. Support Martin's—try the fried or grilled pork chops today at either location!

 

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