About Us
Hometown Restaurant & Homestyle-Cooking in Southern Illinois
The Red Onion is a family-owned hometown restaurant in Equality, Illinois, serving hearty homestyle cooking and genuine Southern Illinois hospitality. More than a place to eat, it’s a long-standing part of the community where locals gather and visitors feel welcome.
Our History
Located on Lane Street in Equality, Illinois – The Red Onion is the town’s only full-service restaurant and one of its most familiar landmarks. For nearly 75 years, this location has served as a local gathering place—first as Moore’s Drug Store and Restaurant in the 1950s, followed by generations of family-owned restaurants.
While names and ownership have changed, the purpose has stayed the same: a place where people gather, share a meal, and make memories together.
Our Owners – Carl & Janet Jennings
In 2025, The Red Onion was brought back to life under the ownership of Carl and Janet Jennings, both originally from Equality, Illinois.
After growing up in the community and graduating from Equality High School, they moved to Champaign, where Carl attended Southern Illinois University and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry. His career with BASF took them across the United States and abroad, but their connection & commitment to Equality never faded.
In late 2024, the Jennings purchased The Red Onion from the Nugent family and reopened it in January 2025 —restoring a familiar part of life in Southern Illinois.
While the Jennings now split time between North Carolina and Florida, they remain actively involved and return regularly to Equality to support the restaurant. Day-to-day operations are led by Manager Krystal Williams, who brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience and a strong commitment to hospitality and service.
Together with a dedicated local team, The Red Onion continues to serve the Equality community with consistency, care, and homestyle meals made for everyday comfort.
Our Community
The Red Onion is more than a restaurant—it’s part of daily life in Equality, Illinois. A place where neighbors meet, families gather, and guests are welcomed like regulars.
Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through Southern Illinois, you’ll find friendly service, comforting meals, and a familiar place that feels like home.
Because here, friends don’t stay strangers for long—friends become family.