Former Mazzio's to become Hickory House Restaurant

Retired contractor and former butcher Ron Nevils has purchased the Mazzio's building at 2259 E. Jackson Blvd. where he plans to open Hickory House Restaurant later this year.

"We felt Jackson needed a good family dining sit down restaurant," said Nevils, who moved to Jackson from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. five years ago to be closer to his grandchildren.

The restaurant will serve three meals a day and feature homestyle country cooking and barbecue, he said.

Steaks and roasts will be hand cut on site and the restaurant will grind its own hamburger.

Early in his career, Nevils was a butcher and meat department manager and he's continued to do meat cutting through the years.

Demolition is underway inside the building, which was owned by Bank of Missouri, and additions will soon be constructed to expand the restroom areas.

When the Hickory House opens, likely in late November or early December, it will feature new flooring, wall finishes and furniture. The kitchen is also being completely redone, Nevils said.