Water Rails & Oil - Historic Mid & South Jefferson County

THE SCHOONER
RESTAURANT,
INC.
❖
Below: Constantine and
Antonia Megas.
The mission of the Schooner Restaurant, Inc.,
is simple: To provide our friends and neighbors
the freshest seafood and finest steaks in a casual,
friendly atmosphere with superior service.
Organized in 1947, this outstanding, familyoperated
seafood restaurant and steakhouse
specializes in serving local Gulf seafood.
The Schooner originally operated with a very
limited menu that included gumbo, beer, and a
few other items after its opening by Luke LeBlanc.
In 1950, Eugene Megas purchased the
restaurant and expanded the menu, a change
much appreciated by its customers. In 1959 a
fire forced the restaurant to close temporarily
but it was rebuilt in 1960. The Schooner is now
owned by Constantine S. Megas, who purchased
the business in 1968.
Like other businesses in mid-Jefferson
County and elsewhere, the Schooner has been
subject to a number of economic challenges
through the years, but has survived despite
strikes that depressed the local economy in the
1960s and ’70s and the oil bust in the ’80s.
Weather-related damage from Hurricanes
Audrey and Rita added other trials, as has the
national trend toward competition from
corporate chains.
Despite all this, the Schooner continues to
grow, now boasting forty-five to fifty employees
to serve customers drawn from markets in
Houston, Dallas, Austin, and elsewhere.
“In addition to those who have always
been our loyal customers, we are now serving
their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren,”
according to Steve Megas, the
Schooner’s vice president. “Our sales were the
best in our history during 2006.”
Located at 1507 South Highway 69 in
Nederland, the Schooner provides southeast Texas
with a superior dining experience, and plans to
continue doing so for many years to come.
According to Megas, the Schooner Restaurant
is a success because of the hard work and
dedication of his parents, Constantine and
Antonia Megas. “They worked vigorously day in
and day out to provide for their family,” he said.
“They are what the American Dream is about.”
96 ✦ WATER, RAILS & OIL