By: Yasmine Malone | May 5, 2025
CLARKSDALE, MS — Jay’s Grocery, a multigenerational, Black-owned grocery staple in Clarksdale, marked a vibrant new chapter with its grand reopening celebration on Friday . Owned by Al Jones and run by the Jones family for decades, the beloved neighborhood market unveiled a series of transformative renovations that promise to boost community access to fresh food, support local producers, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Mississippi Delta.
The revitalized space now includes dedicated produce stages to highlight fresh fruits and vegetables, vendor spaces for local food entrepreneurs, new exterior signage, freshly planted landscaping, improved sidewalks, and bike racks to encourage more eco-friendly and pedestrian-friendly access.
This major renovation effort was orchestrated by Rootswell, an initiative of Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), that’s lifting up and supporting access to fresh, affordable food in the MS Delta. Support came from a coalition of community-forward organizations including Griot Arts, Northwest Community Foundation, Partnership for a Healthier America, T-Mobile, and the City of Clarksdale.
“This isn’t just about a store reopening—it’s about rewriting what opportunity looks like in the Delta,” said Tyler Yarbrough, PHA Director of MS Delta Programs & Rootswell Initiative and a Clarksdale native. “Jay’s Grocery is now a springboard, for better health, better economies, and deeper connections in our neighborhoods.”
Yarbrough’s leadership has been widely celebrated, with community members applauding his efforts to uplift Clarksdale and the broader Mississippi Delta through initiatives that blend agriculture, commerce, and culture.
The ribbon cutting was followed by a pleasant cookout environment with live music from Edna Nicole and her band, grilled food by Talia Shivers, $10 produce voucher, Lush Health Drinks, Vegan Eats, DJ Donny P entertained the crowd, line dancing lead by Arena Chambers, live art by Jroc Jarvis.
Doris Miller, Rootswell’s community liaison and a lifelong advocate for Delta agriculture, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the market’s revival.
“I am happy to be a part of this project. The reopening of J’s Grocery is more than just a ribbon cutting, it’s a celebration of community resilience and a renewed commitment to food access in Clarksdale. Through our partnership with J’s and the support of Rootswell and local leaders, we are proud to help transform this neighborhood staple into a vibrant hub for healthy, affordable food.“
For Al Jones and his family, the grand reopening was a moment of pride and renewed commitment. “This market has always been about service,” Jones said. “Now, thanks to this community, we’ll be serving in an even bigger, better way.”
The reopening of Jay’s Grocery signals not just a business milestone, but a pivotal step forward in building a healthier, more unified Clarksdale and Delta region.
Photo Credit: Noah Stewart
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