Sam Jones also known as “Sam” or "Sammy” is definitely a Hot Springs favorite and has been a permanent staple at the Longshot’s Saloon for quite a while. Working as a bartender there for 8 1/2 years, Sammy started with Longshot’s when he was 19, introduced by his Uncle Heavy (owner of Heavy's Bar and Grill) to Doug and Georgia Prichard, owners of Longshot Saloon, which were looking for a barback at the time for busiest time of year, Oaklawn’s yearly race meet.  "I honestly thought it was going to be a onetime gig, says Sammy, but I hung in there and as soon as I turned 21, the next thing I know I’m attending " The University of Georgia" which was a nightly dose of learning the world of mixology from his new boss Georgia!  And…. here I am! I owe it all to Georgia and Doug for giving me a chance and appreciate all they’ve done for me!” When we asked Doug about Sammy’s eight years at the Longshot he quotes, “What can I say? He’s a good kid!” “Georgia and I love and appreciate him!”

The Longshot is located just feet from Oaklawn Thoroughbred Track and is known for its avid race fans, especially during Oaklawn’s race season. Sammy always looks forward to seeing the many great people he's met over the years during the season. He had no idea he would became quite so popular when he decided to grow his infamous Mohawk. Demanding attention this multicolored 8” tall hair standing straight up, drew the attention of some very curious onlookers and creating instant fame! Sammy recalls a funny story while at the track for their Saturday race ritual before work, where he would meet up with Dillon, his well known “partner in crime” aka “Titty1 and Titty 2” behind the bar.  “There was an older gentlemen staring at my hair with such a puzzled look on his face, and he ran face first into a pole!” “It was hilarious!” notes Sammy.  “Dillon and I would actually have people come up out of the blue and ask if they could take a picture with me, of course until Dillon started telling them that we would have to charge!” Many people come out to see the many antics that Dillon and Sammy put on at the bar which have included wearing women’s tank tops, putting buckets on their heads, dancing and singing behind the bar, and his favorite memory, them spraying the whole crowd while standing on the beer tubs to the well known song “Shout”. “We are definitely a team and it makes our job a lot of fun!”  Outside of the bar he loves to play with his 3year old English Bulldog named “Tank” which is the father of the well known dog, “Odie” owned by Georgia and Doug.  Sammy says proudly, that he thinks that’s kinda cool! “Especially since you don’t hear of too many dogs having their own restaurant!” referring to the newly opened Odie’s House of Blue’s & Dinner Club.