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Donaven Jackson loved ice cream as a child growing up in Overtown, but the family finances only allowed for enjoyment of the frozen treat on special occasions.
Fast forward to 2005, when Donaven was a student at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, where he was mentored by “Sir Tony” Reneca.
“Mr. Reneca was aware that I was working part-time as a DJ and he said to me one day ‘you need to be in my business class,’ so I enrolled and ended up winning a business competition in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship class,” says Donaven.
Upon graduation, Donaven combined his new business knowledge with his lifelong love of frozen treats to launch his first major venture, Jackson Bros Ice Cream in May of 2007. He purchased an ice cream truck and started working in his Overtown neighborhood. The children flock to the truck whenever he comes down their streets.
He is currently fitting out his ice cream truck which will be ready in time for the summer. Donaven also has ice cream carts that he takes to schools and events.
Donaven doesn’t just sell his ice cream, however. He also created a new program called Good Grades = Free Ice Cream, rewarding students who earn A’s and B’s on their report cards with a free cone or cup. He brings one of his ice cream carts to Overtown schools and doles out treats to academically exceptional students to keep them motivated semester after semester.
“Jackson Bros provides me with the opportunity to give back to my community,” he says. “I pay for the ice cream straight from my pocket; I don’t have any sponsors. I want to inspire the youth to do better and become contributing members of society.”
Jackson Bros is also a catering company, providing the Overtown community and points beyond with ice cream, continental breakfasts and favorites such as chicken and waffles for family reunions, weddings, birthdays and school functions.
“My mother taught me how to cook amazing dishes,” he explains. “We cater a lot for public schools, non-profits and private events. Donaven has been recognized with a Rising Star in the Community Award given by St. John Community Development Corporation and the Millennial Businessman of the Year Award from the Miami Dade County Charmettes.
Donaven returns to Booker T. Washington Senior High School every year to participate in the school’s Academy explosion. “Business teacher Avice Warren allowed me to bring our mobile ice cream cart and let the students sell hundreds of dollars of ice cream. I let them keep one thousand dollars to start their own businesses. I want to not only reward them but also educate them about entrepreneurship though hands on experience in an actual business,” he explains.
In February, Donaven participated in the 2023 SOBE Wine and Food Festival spinoff with acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson at his Red Rooster Overtown eatery. Jackson Bros served up its delicious banana pudding ice cream that is part of its soul food ice cream line.
“It was an incredible experience working with Marcus and I am so grateful for the opportunity,” he says. “At that event I reconnected with performing artist Marco Mall and very soon I’ll be partnering with him and his Hip Hop Eatery.”
For more information about Jackson Bros Ice Cream, please visit www.jbrosicecream.com
