This year the historic building committee of the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association is proud to select Dean’s Restaurant and Bakery as our 2025 Historic Preservation Award recipient. The owner, Dean Russell is a seasoned restaurateur who has worked in and owned many different restaurants over the years.
Dean’s opened in June of 2012 in the old Jackson Square Pharmacy location. The restaurant was a hit from the very beginning. In a respectful nod to history, the walls are decorated with photos of past businesses around the Jackson Square area. There is even an old phone booth and a vintage refrigerator. This decor helps make it an interesting and comfortable space for eating and socializing.
Dean’s is located in the original commercial area which was called Townsite until early in 1944, when the name was changed to Jackson Square. More than 80 years later many old timers still call it Townsite.
>The first business to operate in Dean’s location was William’s Drug Store, the first pharmacy in Oak Ridge. John Zugich, the pharmacist for Williams Drug, was also the Chief pharmacist at Oak Ridge Hospital. Zugich along with his wife Marjorie organized pharmacy service for the entire town. Years later it became Jackson Square Pharmacy, and was operated by the McMahons.
Dean’s has been an anchor business helping to keep Jackson Square alive and vibrant. Dean himself has done an excellent job preserving the footprint that once housed two historic pharmacies. Dean is preparing to open another restaurant right next door to his current location. This one will be more upscale with a completely different menu, a piano bar and dining in two levels of the building. The new restaurant is scheduled to open next spring.
By presenting the Historic Preservation Award each year, ORHPA members hope that building owners and managers will be encouraged to preserve their structures for the sake of our unique Oak Ridge History. For more information about the preservation award, contact Bobbie Martin at bobbies_arts@hotmail.com or Kathy Kelly at kathykelly135@gmail.com.
