Let's eat

GARDENDALE Brandon Lusk of Midland said he had one thought when he first entered JessiK's Place.

"Damn, they need to sweep," he recounted Wednesday.

The newly opened bar and restaurant knew it had its resident jokester, or "pain in the (expletive)," as he puts it.

"I came in here because the chicks are hot, my beers are cold, and it's just a cool, family place to hang out," Lusk said.

Jessica Williams, 31, opened the hangout in the spot on Highway 158 formerly occupied by Gomez's Mexican Restaurant a few weeks ago. She said she took it over when the former owners didn't want it anymore.

"They just asked me if I wanted it, and I said, ‘Sure, I'll give it a shot,' " Williams said.

And Williams decided to bring friends and family in on the project. Her grandmother and cousin work there, alongside several longtime pals.

"We're just a bunch of single women who all pulled in together and decided this is what we're gonna do," she said.

Donya Campbell jumped at the chance to work with her friend of 17 years.

"It's a blast," she said. "There's not a day that goes by you don't have a good time."

Williams said it made sense to open a place in Gardendale since residents there were having to drive to Odessa or Midland to have a good time.

And the patrons appreciate bringing some variety to Gardendale.

"We needed a restaurant," said Calvin Scott of Odessa, who works around Gardendale. "The only thing they've got is the Kent Kwik down here."

While some may be frightened at the prospect of opening a new restaurant during a recession, the slow economy is precisely why Williams said she went into business.

"The jobs we had, we were in jeopardy of losing or not making enough money," she said. "So we decided to band together."

The bar is "bring your own beer" while a license is pending.

During the week, customers at JessiK's can dine on everything from asado to steak fingers. They can play pool on two tables while listening to country songs like Connie Smith's "I ain't had no Lovin'.' "

But on weekends, Williams said the joint really heats up, with up to 200 motorcycles and 15 horses parked outside.

"We roll up the back door, get a band in here and barbecue," Williams said.

And she said the cowboys and bikers all get along.

The name of the joint came from a childhood nickname, Williams said.

"My friends, since I was a little girl called me Jessi K," she said. "I asked them what I should name it and they said, ‘JessiK's. That's what we're going to say anyway, is we're all gonna go to JessiK's."

JessiK's Place

>> Address: 4506 E. Highway 158, Gardendale.

>> Hours: Restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; bar open until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Monday.

>> Call: 366-1688.