MADISON — Karmell Jackson was already preparing barbecue in the rain when severe weather forced organizers to cancel the $5 Taste Jamboree on its original August 10 date.
“Oh my goodness, I was devastated,” said Jackson, owner of Melly Mell’s Soul Food. “I was already out in the rain, my hope was that it would stop.”
The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce rescheduled the popular food event for Sunday, the closing day of Black Restaurant Week. This time, the weather cooperated.
“We can do rain or shine. We don’t mind that, we’re not afraid of rain, but the lightning was really the problematic piece,” Jackson said.
Jackson brought her signature Holiday Bowl to the rescheduled event — turkey topped with dressing, cranberries and dressing. The dish represents the creative soul food menu that has made Melly Mell’s a Madison fixture since 2010.
The restaurant has partnered with the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce on multiple events, including previous Taste Jamborees. Chamber representatives say they value watching Jackson’s business grow.
“We’re just really elated to continue to watch her grow and soar,” said CEO of Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Camille Carter. “It does mean a lot. We work very hard to put on these events.”
For Jackson, the Taste Jamboree provides more than just business exposure. She uses the platform to mentor other entrepreneurs entering the food service industry.
“I want to support them. I want to give them some pointers if they want to,” Jackson said. “We just need to — five is enough, everybody is hungry.”
The chamber typically holds the Taste Jamboree on the final day of Black Restaurant Week, making Sunday’s rescheduled event a return to tradition after the weather disruption.
Jackson said events like the Taste Jamboree help small, Black-owned businesses connect with the community while supporting each other’s growth in Madison’s competitive restaurant market.
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