Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1536125
74 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2025 In this series, we turn to the passionate Maconites, those who call this vibrant city home, to curate their very own guides to experiencing Downtown Macon. Whether you are a resident seeking to rediscover your city or a curious visitor eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, these guides will open doors to new ideas and lasting memories. Discover what defines Downtown Macon: from feeling the energy of our bustling streets and exploring historic landmarks to savoring the mouthwatering cuisine and engaging with the vibrant arts and music scene. We'll let the insiders share more. M y M a c o n I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H N E W T O W N M A C O N I N S I D E R G U I D E S T O D O W N T O W N M A C O N INTERVIEW BY HALEIGH DEARDEN | PHOTO BY MIKE YOUNG CAN YOU TELL ME WHO YOU ARE AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I was born and raised in Macon, went to school at Georgia Southern [University], worked a couple of chemistry jobs after college, went to sell used cars, and then decided to work for myself. Started a bar catering service that eventually turned into JBA and then recently, my wife and I opened up Village Coffee in Ingleside. CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT JBA? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN IT AND EVENTUALLY EXPAND? JBA actually came about from Macon Bar Services, which was (and is) a bar catering service. In 2018, I was catering a lot of weddings and events. That turned into the brick-and-mortar JBA, because I needed to get my actual state license. I opened a small spot to continue the catering service, and the thought process was to create a bar that had some foot traffic to make money off the space itself, too. In 2019, JBA came about on July 5th. It opened as a music venue, a small little 900 square foot dive on the corner of Poplar and MLK. We stayed there until 2022. I felt like there was no space to grow, or there was no opportunity to grow in that space. So instead of renovating and putting money into the pocket of the owner of the building, I decided to venture out and see what was available to own. I went down that path, and I contacted and worked with NewTown Macon on the possibility. NewTown really helped it become a reality, and so we bought the building. HOW DOES JBA SUPPORT LIVE AND LOCAL MUSIC? When we were in the corner spot, we hosted two or three bands a week. We hosted a jam session every week. We hosted a lot of live music, some regional artists touring. But ever since the move, we are more focused on DJs right now. It's what our demographic wants, to put it plainly. It's worked for us. We're still a venue for Bragg Jam, and we are kind of dipping our toes into doing live music in different time slots. I love music. But when we moved to Cherry Street, it didn't really translate like it did in the corner spot. The first year was kind of bumpy and figuring ourselves out... I intend to get back to it now that I know how to get our bills paid. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT MACON AND WHAT MAKES YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN MACON? I have been here for a long time. I feel like I have roots, I have friends, I have connections. I know a way around the roads. It's simple as that. It makes me feel comfortable. I think all Maconites really want to see Macon grow and improve. It makes business fun, better at times when you have a support team behind you who just want people around themselves to succeed – and Macon is full of that. We're kind of propping each "I think all Maconites really want to see Macon grow and improve. It makes business fun." Photo courtesy of Brandon Lawler