Jay's Cafeteria

Postcards: 4"x6"
Prints: 8.5"x11"

Opened in 1974 on 18th street and later moving to 1812 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Jay’s Cafeteria established itself as a citywide favorite for soul food and family dining. It was first opened in 1974 by Frank and Barbara Jean Foster on 18th street, later moving to its second and final location at 1812 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. On any given Sunday afternoon, you’d see lines stretching out the door and get whiffs of stewed ribs, fried chicken, cornbread, and its many other warm offerings. Jay’s was a place you could count on for generous portions, warm service, shared amongst friends and family.

After being auctioned off in 2005 and closing soon after, the building of Jay’s sat unused. Its sign still hung proud until the property was purchased and converted into Chef Space, a restaurant accelerator and training space. While the days of Jay’s Cafeteria’s are over, its legacy lives on with the building’s new life.