(The Spot features a full-service kitchen, space for food trucks, a two-story bar, an outdoor patio, and an entertainment center | Photo courtesy of The Spot)
“I felt that Madras is the place I should be,” said Andre Jackson. “Having come to understand the needs and dynamics of the community with all its different demographics, I wanted to create a place where everyone can feel safe and welcome, where people can hang out and relax, and where they can be themselves regardless of their nationality. He also wanted to offer food options that were not available anywhere else.
The result of Jackson’s vision is The Spot — a venue featuring a full-service kitchen, space for food trucks, a two-story bar with seating both upstairs and downstairs, an outdoor patio, and an entertainment center — which soon became a community hub after its opening last November.
Previously involved in property investments throughout Oregon, Jackson decided to enter this high-risk business despite undergoing a simultaneous a major lung procedure three years ago called PTE (Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy) at UCSD, and being left with a staggeringly large medical bill.
Fortunately, Jackson’s plan was in line with the goals of the city and the Madras Redevelopment Commission (MRC), enabling him to obtain a $1.2 million construction loan and then permanent financing in order “to do something great for this community.”
“MRC’s investment in The Spot is part of our ongoing mission to revitalize key areas of Madras, support local businesses, and create new jobs,” said Gabriel Soliz, commission chairman. “This is exactly the kind of project we’ve been working toward — encouraging economic growth in our downtown, and making Madras a place where people want to be — and we’re proud to be part of that.”
In turn, Jackson said that “It has been great to work with the City of Madras, and I’m very appreciative of their support. I’m very happy with Jefferson County as well.”
Nick Snead, Madras community development director, said the city hopes its investment will attract residents and visitors who might otherwise drive to Redmond or beyond for food. Madras had conducted a survey several years ago, and realized it was losing out on nearly a million dollars in tax revenue from people traveling to other cities to dine out.
To deliver on his promise of offering unique cuisine, Jackson “brought in a childhood friend who worked for famed restauranteur Wolfgang Puck to help me design the menu items,” which include a Sweet Chili Salmon BLT, Chicken Meteors, etc. And, as Jackson is “a basic guy who favors vanilla ice cream,” that dessert is also featured.
An integral part of Jackson “answering a call to come here and build The Spot” are plans to evolve the entertainment space — currently used for high school class reunions, trivia night, community fundraisers, and bingo — into a year-round entertainment complex with musical concerts, comedy, and dancing. “I’m taking smaller steps to grow,” he said.
Despite working a 14-hour day, seven days a week — reflective of “one of my biggest challenges — securing the staff I need” — Jackson doesn’t “feel too overwhelmed.”
He credits this fortitude to “the support and assistance of Jackie Ritchie at Harvest Financials, Brian Hardebeck at OTAK, and the daily help of Lauren Bisaccio, who has given so much of her time and her heart. Without them, this undertaking would not have been possible.”
“It’s not about chasing money,” Jackson said. “I have met a lot of people and gained a lot of friends, and I love living here and being part of the Madras community.”
“My vision was to create a place where everyone can feel safe and welcome, and I see it, hear it, feel it when a group of 30-year-olds come in once a week to enjoy ‘guy time,’ or when I observe a one-year-old and four-year-old with their families. I’m doing it right.”
“I believe in God, who gives us skills and talents to share with the world,” Jackson said, “and truly feel that I’m on my path and fulfilling my purpose.”
