Rita’s place gets a new life

MOUNT OLIVE — Shortly after Labor Day weekend, Rita’s Restaurant will become the second location of The Farm House Restaurant.

“This expansion is more than a business opportunity — it is a divine appointment,” Farm House owner, Karson McCullen, said. “We are honored to continue the legacy of Rita’s Country Cooking, a true cornerstone of the Mount Olive community. For years, Rita’s has been a gathering place for families and friends, and we are committed to honoring that tradition while introducing The Farm House’s signature warmth, hospitality, and home-style Southern cooking.”

Rita Diane (Sullivan) Long died of cancer in 2022 when she was just 58 years old. Friends and family still honor her legacy in Mount Olive with both the restaurant and a cat rescue named in her honor because she loved cats. Rita’s Place will remain open through Friday, Aug. 29.

“We encourage everyone to come by, enjoy their favorite meals, and share memories during these final weeks,” McCullen said.

McCullen, who is an active member of Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church, grounds every decision of his business in his faith.

“The Farm House was founded with a simple mission: to serve with love, excellence, and integrity — values grounded in our faith. Every decision is prayed over, and we seek to glorify God in every aspect of our work — from the way we greet our guests, to the way we prepare each plate, to the way we lead our team.⁣⁣ From the moment we met Mr. Billy Long, Rita’s current steward, we knew this was a God-orchestrated encounter. Every conversation, every detail, and every open door has been a clear reminder that this expansion is not a coincidence, but part of God’s perfect plan,” McCullen said.

The Farm House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with full catering services, from its flagship location in Newton Grove. All of these services will continue there, while the new Mount Olive location opens and expands to include the same offerings.

“We remain fully committed to our Newton Grove location, where The Farm House began. That restaurant will continue to thrive under the leadership of the same talented and devoted team who have been with us through every season⁣⁣,” McCullen said.

In Mount Olive, The Farm House leadership has emphasized their strong commitment to the longtime staff of Rita’s. McCullen said they view these team members as essential to the restaurant’s future.

“Their knowledge, relationships, and heart for the community are invaluable. They are not being replaced — they are being embraced as part of The Farm House family. Our goal is to build upon their strong foundation, adding new team members as we grow so that both locations flourish,” McCullen said.

McCullen told Duplin Journal is currently hiring individuals who have a heart for service and hospitality.

“This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve, grow, and make a difference in a Christ-centered, uplifting environment,” he said.

McCullen also sees this expansion as far more than a business decision; he considers it a calling. He expressed deep gratitude to both God and the community for the chance to serve Mount Olive, describing the opening as “the unfolding of a calling, nurtured in prayer, rooted in faith, and strengthened by community.”

McCullen extended heartfelt thanks to loyal customers, dedicated staff, and new neighbors in Mount Olive, adding that he looks forward to welcoming everyone into the restaurant and into their hearts.

“To God be the glory — great things He has done, and greater things are yet to come,” he said.