Usher’s Mom Jonnetta Patton Excited to Launch New Food Trucks, Expand Business

No one knows Usher like his first manager—his mother, Jonnetta Patton. She not only nurtured him but also helped shape his career, contributing to the superstar image we know today.

Patton is channeling her passion into a new venture: J’s Smokehouse, a food truck endeavor.

In an interview, Patton shared insights about her new business and provided an update on her superstar son’s recent neck injury, which led to the postponement of his tour.

Over 30 years ago, Jonnetta Patton believed in her son Usher Raymond IV when few others did. “I enjoyed 17 years of creating one of the biggest artists in the world,” Patton told Channel 2 Action News. “I’m doing the same thing with my [cooking] incubator and now J’s Smokehouse.”

Turning her passion for creativity into a culinary venture, Patton launched a mobile food trailer and smokehouse.

“What sets our menu apart are our options, including vegan choices,” Patton said. “We offer a pulled pork sandwich and a vegan hot dog in the smokehouse. And they are amazing.”

Atlanta is well-acquainted with celebrity-owned restaurants, but Patton emphasized that the chef makes all the difference. For her smokehouse, she chose Chef Greg Dennis.

“We have delicious ribs falling off the bone, 13 hours low and slow smoked brisket, and Grandma’s southern-fried collard greens,” Dennis told Greer. “I do a seven-cheese macaroni blend, and we also have a vegan menu.”

J’s Smokehouse opened on August 2 to huge crowds. Naturally, Usher was there to show his support. “It was really great, he said, ‘Mom, I’m so proud of you,’” Patton recalled.

With recent news about Usher’s postponed tour due to a neck injury, Greer asked Patton about his current state. “He always wants to give you the best, and it was very stressful,” Patton shared. “He’s okay now. His doctors have advised him to rest because he’s a hard worker, coming off a Super Bowl and all that in between. It was too much.”

Patton has no plans to slow down. From the food truck to a potential brick-and-mortar restaurant, she mentioned that the menu for J’s Smokehouse is available online.

Source: WSB-TV, Channel 2 Action News