Spring Valley bar Jackson’s named for 6-month-old, not former President

Walking into Jackson’s Bar & Grill, it’s easy to assume that the business was named for President Andrew Jackson. His face, along with other U.S. presidents, covers the walls inside and out.

However, it was named for a 6-month-old baby.

Owner Brian Slipock named the bar, 6020 W. Flamingo Road, for his nephew, Jackson, more than 10 years ago.

“It literally was a last-minute decision,” Slipock said. “We were on a deadline.”

At first, Slipock wanted to name the bar Bonfire and have a beach party-themed decor.

“It didn’t have any meaning behind it,” he said. “We just liked it and thought it would be a nice precursor so customers knew what to expect when they walked in.”

While filling out paperwork for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Slipock said he and his family were diligent.

“We checked over everything to make sure there wouldn’t be any problems,” he said. “We thought we dotted all our i’s and crossed all our t’s.”

However, Slipock’s father suggested that they double-check the secretary of state’s website to make sure the name was not already taken or trademarked before submitting the papers.

“We checked, and there it was,” Slipock said. “Someone else owns the name Bonfire.”

It wasn’t just anyone who owns the name. Celebrity chef Todd English owns two Bonfire restaurants in New York and Massachusetts.

“The last thing we wanted to do was to use the name, get successful and then have him come in with a cease-and-desist order,” Slipock said, “especially after we spent $20,000 investing in it.”

Slipock said he and his family had three days to come up with a new name to turn into the board.

In a panic,

Slipock called his brother in Los Angeles to ask for ideas.

“His son Jackson was born about six months prior to the whole thing, so he told me that he was partial to the name Jackson,” Slipock said. “So I said, ‘All right, we’re naming the bar after your kid.’ ”

To complement the name, the bar took on a presidential theme. Slipock named items on the menu for Air Force One, the Secret Service, the Oval Office and the White House.

“Now, it’s more about the $20 bill than President (Andrew) Jackson,” Slipock said. “We tell people we want them to come in and put $20 in our slot machines.”

The bar is known as a Green Bay Packers and University of Washington football hangout. According to Slipock, more than 100 customers stop by on game nights.

Jackson’s also offers a prime rib dinner for $12 on Mondays to tie in with Monday Night Football.

Customer Bob Hamilton said he drops in when the Packers play.

“It can get pretty rowdy and exciting and loud,” Hamilton said. “It’s perfect for drinking a beer and enjoying a good game away from the Mrs.”

In 1989, Slipock moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to major in hotel administration at UNLV.

“I’ve been out here longer than I spent growing up in L.A.,” Slipock said, “so I identify more with Las Vegas than California.”

Slipock and his wife owned three Great Steak and Potato Company franchises inside mall food courts before opening Jackson’s Bar & Grill.

“I’m just really good at what I do,” Slipock said, “and once I realized this whole town is made on gaming, I thought I might as well get involved with that.”

Slipock said his nephew visits the restaurant when he’s in town with his parents.

“He’s young; he doesn’t care that it’s named after him,” Slipock said. “He’s too busy being a kid.”

Jackson’s Bar & Grill is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers must be 21 or older.

For more information, visit beststeakdeal.com or call 702-362-2116.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.