From Hollywood to Monticello

Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Running a restaurant may not have been at the top of Jackie Watson's mind 10 years ago. But one thing the new local owner of Jackie’s Brickhouse Eatery has had a talent for is helping people relax and have a good time. That is true whether it's A-list celebrities like Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie or locals who visit the Monticello eatery. “I wanted to have a place where people can relax and have fun,” said Watson. Watson's infectious smile and upbeat personality makes it easy to have a good time at the Brickhouse.

Watson was born and grew up in France and moved to the United States with her family at the age of 20. While living in Boca Raton, Fla. Watson made a name for herself as a fitness champion. At the same time, she began to pursue a career in the entertainment field, acting as the on-camera host for “The Jackie Watson Show,” which quickly became the top rated local TV show in the South Florida market.

At the age of 25, Watson moved to Los Angeles (L.A.) to continue to work in the entertainment field. After her move to L.A., Watson began working with Four Point Entertainment, where she became one of their most successful producers, producing successful shows such as “Secrets of Superstar Fitness,” “Winning Women” and “Star for a Day.” While in L.A., she founded W. Entertainment, through which she produced and developed shows such as “Day in the Life” on MTV and Cause Celeb. Watson's shows have been seen on the Discovery Channel and Women Entertainment. Watson has also produced feature films, such as “Touched.”

During her time in L.A., she would often visit Monticello, where her father, Jean Michel Cravanzola, had opened the Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Watson quickly fell in love with the quaint country life of Monticello and found a level of peace that seemed to be missing in the hustle and bustle of Southern California. She soon began to contemplate buying the house next to her father's B and B and making a move. Eventually, she did buy the house and began to make renovations. However, it seemed that each time she considered making the move, friends would talk her out of it. Still, the notion to move to North Florida began to weigh more and more heavily on her mind and on her heart.

Finally, in December of 2019, Watson finally acted on the decision to move. When the pandemic struck a few months later, bringing the entertainment industry to a halt, Watson knew this was all in “God's timing.” “God is good,” says Watson about this time in her life. Today, Watson plans to continue her work on the west coast, while being based in Monticello.

On April 1, of this year, Watson bought the Brickhouse Restaurant, on North Jefferson Street, Since opening, many have come to enjoy Watson's vivacious spirit. One elderly woman sees Jackie’s Brickhouse as providing a “reason to get up and get out.” Currently, Jackie’s Brickhouse serves breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Recently, the Brickhouse has also begun serving a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In keeping with the fun atmosphere, Watson, herself an actress and comedienne, along with being an accomplished producer, hopes to have a “Comedy Night” at Jackie’s Brickhouse in the future. Jackie’s Brickhouse is located at 190 N. Jefferson St., in downtown Monticello. The phone number is (850) 997-2100.

Watson often said her life would be complete if she could get that house next to her father's bed and breakfast. Now that she has done that, Monticello's life seems to be a bit more complete as well.