When Frank Jones knew he had to stretch a meal that barely fed his brother, sister and himself, he envisioned that one day he would own a restaurant where the food would be seasoned to perfection and only hearty portions would be served.

Born in 1916, Frank Jones, the oldest of three was raised in Nacotiches, Louisiana. Frank was no stranger to cooking. As a young boy, his mother worked as a cook for railroads & mills throughout the country while young Frank worked right along beside her. Frank's mother later ran a boarding house. She served soul food to her boarders, who included jazz creates such as Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. At age 12, Frank was tossed into the roll of caregiver for his younger brother and sister after the untimely death of his mother in 1928.

Although they didn't have much, Frank's mother had always taught him how to take a little of nothing and turn it into a meal. At age 21, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as cook for many years.

Frank always received rave reviews from everyone who had the pleasure of experiencing his culinary skills. Frank's food was like no other. He always had a vision of some day owning his own restaurant where he would serve "soul food" at its best.

The late 30's brought about a change for Frank when he relocated to Los Angeles, California. Inspired by his mother, Frank decided to open a barbeque stand. It didn't take long for the word to get around about Frank's delicious barbeque. He used secret ingredients passed on to him by his mother. Frank's barbeque was so well known, that his place was often frequented by many celebrities including legendary greats, B.B. King & Red Foxx.

In 1943, Frank decided it was time to move on. He decided that Houston, Texas (the city of opportunity) was the place to be. Frank knew with his talents and family recipes he would soon be able to make his vision a reality. It was there that he met and married Mattie Malone. Mattie was a quiet & loving woman and it didn't take Frank long to realize that she would plan an intricate roll in his vision, since she too was a great cook. Together Frank and Mattie opened a cafe called "The Zanzibar". It was located on Saulnier street in the heart of fourth ward. You could go there on any given night and enjoy conversation, dancing, drinking and a home cooked meal.

As their business grew, Frank and Mattie decided it was time to open "the" restaurant. So they set out in search of the perfect location.

When Mattie laid her eyes on the little house that was later converted into a restaurant at 1003 Andrews, she could not contain herself. She cried out, "This is It!" Henceforth the name!

The restaurant was opened in 1959 and was an instant success. It drew crowds of people, including local politicians celebrities and professional athletes. The cost for a hearty meal was only 89¢ a plate. Every Saturday and Sunday night, the restaurant was transformed into a nightclub. A DJ would spin records while they served the best soul food in town.

For 24 years, Frank & Mattie Jones operated "This is It" at 1003 Andrews. Then in 1982, the restaurant was moved to 239 West gray. By this time the restaurant had become so well known that it was used as the location for the movie "Jason's Lyric", starring Jada Pinkett & Allen Payne.

After 12 years and passing on his many recipes in hopes that one day his grandson would continue his legacy, Frank retired.

Continuing the legacy, in 1995, Frank & Mattie's grandson, Craig Joseph and his wife, Georgette took over the business. Like his mother, Frank had taught his grandson how to cook at an early age. Although Craig is a Houston firefighter, he and his wife Georgette got involved in the restaurant and took the vision to another level by purchasing property in the fourth ward district. On March 9, 1995, Craig and Georgette opened a new restaurant at it's present location, 207 Gray, where Frank Jones continued to oversee daily operations.

After accomplishing more than he ever envisioned, Frank Jones died in March, 1999. He was preceded in death by his wife Mattie in 1995. In memory of the late Frank Jones, the Joseph's are keeping "This Is It" just like his grandfather wanted it... in the heart of downtown Houston.

Just as in the beginning, "This Is It" still draws a large crowd. Many local politicians, celebrities and professional athletes enjoy the southern down home cooking as well as many loyal customers who have followed the restaurant to each location throughout the years. "This Is It" has become an institution and an icon. It is known as the "oldest and the best" soul food restaurant in all of Houston, and has been featured many times in the business and entertainment sections of Houston's local newspapers.

The restaurant now offers full service catering for any event and plans for further expansion are on the way.

Little did Frank Jones know that someday his vision would pave the way for many other soul food restaurants in the Houston area today.

With a little hope and a little initiative, dreams can come true.