R.S. Jones Celebrates 20 Years in Merrick

Many gathered in R.S. Jones on Sunday evening and it was not for the eatery's popular Six Shooter, an entree of skirt steak and smashed potatoes. 

Loyal patrons enjoyed a night of music, food and fun at the restaurant's 20-year anniversary celebration on Sunday. 

Owners Margaret Mueller and Carole Olkoski said that they could not be any happier about their milestone. 

"It feels awesome," Mueller said. "Merrick has been very good to us." 

"I am very grateful," Olkoski said. "Without the fantastic customer base and staff we would not have gotten this far."

The two said that "a love of country music" inspired them to open the "southern comfort food" restaurant. 

"At the time, no one was doing country cooking like fried chicken steak or biscuits and creamed gravy,"  Mueller said. "It was different." 

Mueller works as the manager of the restaurant while Olkoski works as the chef--an arrangement that has proved successful for 20 years.

The restaurant has gained many loyal patrons who have been enjoying its southern dishes since the beginning. 

Bob Horner, a Merrick native, is one of those many customers. 

"The bartenders, the staff and the food is just great," he said. "It all works." 

Many members of the restaurant staff have been working there since it opened in 1993.  

Liz Azzaro, who has worked at R.S. Jones for 20 years, said that Olkoski hired her over the phone before the two met in person.

"I was working at the dentist office down the street, saw the sign that the restaurant was going to open and called," Azzaro laughed. "They are not just my bosses, but they are my best friends. Everyone that works here is attached at the hip."

Mueller and Olkoski said that they are looking forward to another 20 years in Merrick.

"We are 20 years older, but we still feel young because we love what we do," Mueller said. "We have our heels dug in and we are looking forward to serving another generation of Merokeans.