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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-3 Registration Statement, Amendment No. 2 (No. 333-74849) pertaining
    to the 1999 J. Alexander's Corporation Rights Offering, filed on May 12,
    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 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 March 22, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of J. Alexander's Corporation included in Amendment No.
1 to the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended January 3, 1999.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
May 12, 1999
