R Social on Main has become part of the downtown Rogers dining scene by combining a modern restaurant experience with a building that has been part of the community for generations.

The restaurant opened in October 2022 and was created by two local families who wanted to give Rogers a place where people could gather, connect and spend time together.

That local connection is reflected in the building itself.

According to R Social, the downtown Rogers building dates to the early 1900s and originally served as a grocery market before becoming the city's original John Deere service garage.

Many of those older touches remain part of the restaurant's design, including exposed wooden beams, a wagon-wheel chandelier and a large wall mural.

That mix of old and new gives R Social a story that goes beyond its menu.

The restaurant describes itself as a New American restaurant, with made-from-scratch dishes and a broad selection of drinks.

The current menu includes familiar choices such as burgers alongside dishes such as birria tacos, shrimp and grits, pasta, steak and seafood.

For a casual meal, the menu also includes starters such as the Bavarian Beast Pretzel, cheese curds and French onion beef bites.

Weekend brunch is another part of the restaurant's regular schedule, with brunch served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner, giving it a range of options for a quick meal, a weekend outing or a longer evening downtown.

One of the more distinctive features is the rooftop patio, along with indoor and outdoor bar areas and a dining room designed for groups as well as smaller gatherings.

R Social also hosts events such as live music, trivia, comedy and other special activities, giving the restaurant a role in Rogers' social scene beyond regular dining.

For Northwest Metro Today readers, the appeal is partly about the food and partly about the setting.

Local restaurants can tell us something about how a community changes, and R Social is an example of a newer business using an older downtown building rather than starting with a blank slate.

That history gives diners a reason to look beyond the menu when they visit.

At a glance:

Location: 12901 Main St., Rogers.

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dining: Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with takeout and delivery available.

Local history: The building dates to the early 1900s and previously housed a grocery market and the original John Deere service garage.

Whether you're looking for a weekend brunch, dinner with friends or a place to experience a bit of Rogers history while you eat, R Social on Main offers a distinctly local setting in the heart of downtown.