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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following J. Alexander's
Corporation Registration Statements:



a.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 333-91431) pertaining to the J.
        Alexander's Corporation 1999 Loan Program, filed on November 22, 1999;

b.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 333-49393) pertaining to the 1994
        Employee Stock Incentive Plan, filed on April 3, 1998;

c.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-77478) pertaining to the 1985
        Stock Option Plan, filed on May 25, 1994;

d.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-77476) pertaining to the 1994
        Employee Stock Incentive Plan, filed on April 6, 1994;

e.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-39870) pertaining to the 1990
        Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, filed on April 9, 1991;

f.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 33-4483) pertaining to the 1985
        Stock Option Plan, filed on April 1, 1986;

g.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 2-78140) pertaining to the 1982
        Incentive Stock Option Plan, filed on June 25, 1982; and

h.      Form S-8 Registration Statement (No. 2-78139) pertaining to the 1982
        Employee Stock Purchase Plan, filed on June 25, 1982;

of our report dated February 21, 2000, except for the subsequent event described
in Note E as to which the date is March 17, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of J. Alexander's Corporation
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 2, 2000.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
March 30, 2000