Longhorn Saloon under new ownership

​Siraj Thomason, the new owner of the Longhorn Saloon in Barnes City, is joined by Jolene Williams, who manages the eatery and saloon. Thomason purchased the business last month from Kolton Kudart, who owned it for 8-9 years. Thomason, who sells seed corn and farmers with his father, took over the business on Jan. 15.

by J.O. Parker
 
   The next time you are in Barnes City, step into the Longhorn Saloon and welcome the new owner, Siraj Thomason.
    Thomason, a seed corn dealer and row crop and livestock farmer with his father, from rural Montezuma, has purchased the popular saloon and eatery from Kolton Kudart. He took over the business reins on Jan. 15.
     The Longhorn, located at 405 Broad St., was originally opened by Randy Simmons in 2004. Kudart owned it for 8-9 years. 
     When asked what led him to purchase the Longhorn, Thomason said he was looking to diversify outside of the ag business.
    Joining Thomason in the operation is Jolene Williams, a former long-time employee at Scooters in New Sharon. She will manage the eatery and saloon.
    “We have added 7-10 more jobs to the area,” said Thomason. “Jolene has her own team that she put together.”
       “I’m excited to be doing this new adventure with Siraj,” she said.
     Outside of a variety of cold refreshments available, the saloon is currently serving fresh from the grill burgers, tenderloins, pulled pork, grilled cheese and grilled chicken sandwiches, all served with your choice of French fries, curly fries or homemade chips. There are plenty of appetizers on the menu as well including chicken tenders, corn nuggets, boneless wings, nachos with several toppings, cheese balls, onion rings, dill pickle chips, salad and cottage cheese. There are daily lunch specials as well and a cocktail menu is also available. 
         “We don’t freeze any meat,” said Thomason of the grill. “We hand pat all our hamburgers.”
         Thomason said he and Jolene are currently putting together a new menu, which will include smoke meat offerings.
         Live music events are also the menu. Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys will be performing acoustic numbers and more at the Longhorn on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Thomason said he plans to do some remodeling of the saloon down the road.
       The Longhorn is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays. The grill closes at 9 p.m. daily.
        The Longhorn seats up to 70 people. There is a pool table and those stopping by are sure to run into an old friend.
          The Longhorn can be reached at 641-644-5145.