RUTLEDGE — What began beneath a small tent with a homemade smoker has grown into one of Grainger County’s most beloved gathering spots. For David and Jacinta Swiney, owners of Jessie’s Little Market & Deli in Rutledge, their journey from Swiney’s Barbecue to running a full market and deli has been guided by hard work, family values, and a deep connection to the community they serve.
David, a longtime truck driver, said the dream started small. “I’d been driving a truck for 28 years,” he said. “It started off as just a little hobby thing. I had an old smoker that a friend made, and I’d take food back and forth to work and let people try it. The more folks tasted it, the more they encouraged me.”
That encouragement became the foundation for Swiney’s Barbecue, a small family catering business that started under a tent at local events. Their first official event took place in Cumberland, followed by another in Kentucky, and before long the Swineys were running a full catering truck. “It was always my dream to have something like this,” David said. “We’re people people. We love being around folks, and I wanted to do it full time.”
Jacinta said the passion for cooking runs deep in their family. “It’s always been his dream to own a small restaurant,” she said. “All his uncles loved to cook, so it’s something that’s just in their family.”
When the opportunity came to take over Jessie’s Little Market, David said it felt right. “I’ve wanted this place for about three years,” he said. “I’d been coming here since I was a teenager. Jessie always had such a good crowd, and the people around here, the farmers and locals, were wonderful. When she asked if I was still interested, I said yes without a second thought.”
While the couple still operates Swiney’s Barbecue, Jessie’s Little Market has become their main focus. The Swineys split their time between the store and their catering trailer, planning to rotate seasonal offerings and events. But the journey, they said, hasn’t been without challenges. “We’ve had a lot of hard times,” Jacinta said. “When we first started, some places didn’t want us setting up nearby. But we just kept pushing. Even when things got tough here at Jessie’s, we worked through it together as a family.”
Their Friday and Saturday specials, featuring catfish and barbecue, have quickly become local favorites. David said those traditions come from his childhood. “When I was young, we’d have big catfish fries on the weekends,” he said. “I always said if I ever had a place of my own, I’d do it the old way, cooking my fish in cast-iron kettles.”
As colder weather approaches, the couple plans to introduce more home-cooked meals such as fried chicken, meatloaf and other traditional comfort foods. “We just want people to come in, sit down and enjoy themselves,” Jacinta said. “It’s about good food and good company.”
Their menu favorites extend beyond barbecue and catfish, Philly cheesesteaks, club sandwiches and homemade gravy have all earned loyal fans. “Everything we serve has to pass our taste test first,” David said. “We put a lot of love and pride into what we do.”
Community feedback plays a big role in what they cook. “We ask people what they’d like to see,” Jacinta said. “Our employees and customers give suggestions, and we listen. That’s what inspires us.”
The couple also stays connected through social media, using it to gather input and keep the community engaged. “Everything we’ve heard has been positive,” David said. “We’ve been blessed, everyone seems to enjoy what we do.”
Their goal, they said, is to make Jessie’s Little Market feel like home. “We want people to come in smiling and leave smiling,” David said. “It’s a family-friendly atmosphere. We want them to feel at home, laugh and enjoy themselves.”
For the Swineys, keeping things local and rooted in community is at the heart of what they do. “Our customers are what put us here,” David said. “It’s important to us that we give back to them.”
Faith also plays a major part in their story. “The Lord’s the one who made this possible,” Jacinta said. “He’s blessed us since we’ve been here, and I give Him all the credit.”
The Swineys said their employees have become like family. “We appreciate them every day,” Jacinta and David said. “They’re part of what makes this place special.”
When asked what Jessie’s Little Market represents to Grainger County, David’s answer was simple. “Friendliness,” he said. “We want people to feel like they belong here, like family.”
While major expansions aren’t in the plans, the couple hopes to continue growing their menu and outdoor seating as the seasons change. “I’ve got a lot of creations in my head I’d like to bring to life,” David said. “If things keep going the way they are, I believe it’s only going to get better.”
As a husband-and-wife team, they say the best part of running the business is the time they spend together. “We get to spend a lot of time together, whether we want to or not,” David joked.
Above all, the Swineys said it’s the people who make everything worth it. “Seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces, hearing them say they’re glad we’re here, that’s what makes it all worth it,” Jacinta said.
Jessie’s Little Market & Deli is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Breakfast is served daily until 11 a.m.
“Come on out and see us,” David said. “The food’s great, and we’re glad to have you.”