Tambo Barrow hopes to be a “burger innovator” in Lower Mills. Photo by Bill Forry

Devotees of southern soul food were disappointed when Mrs. Jones, a popular take-out spot at 2255 Dorchester Avenue, abruptly closed its doors last May after its namesake owner fell ill. This month, a Mattapan entrepreneur has assumed control of the village storefront and hopes to open his new venture named “Bred Gourmet” — with plans to serve up a mix of burgers, smoothies and salads to a health-conscious clientele.

Tambo Barrow, 27, bought the equipment from Mrs. Jones and is leasing the old space from landlord Bill Shaffer. He hopes to open the restaurant by mid-December.

“I like the diversity of the area. I like the feel of Lower Mills. They are big on community here,” said Barrow, who attended University of Hartford before working for a large insurance company for five years. The corporate world wasn’t to his liking, though, and Barrow has long dreamed of running his own place.

Barrow said his food influences include the longtime owner of M&M Ribs, Maurice ‘Big Mo’ Lambert, whom he considers to be a grandfather figure. His mother, Crystal Palmer, is a nutritionist at Whittier Street Health Center. Barrow, a standout basketball player at Boston Latin Academy and U. Hartford, is also a health food junkie— who hopes to serve up burgers that fit that bill.

“I want to be a burger innovator,” said Barrow, who is currently hiring staff for the restaurant, including a line cook. You can follow the restaurant’s progress on Twitter: @BredGourmet.

– Bill Forry