IT was a full house at Simmo’s One Stop restaurant Sunday in St Andrew, as owner Derrick Simmons celebrated his 40th year doing business at the popular Red Gal Ring location.

Guests, including Third World guitarist Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, turned out to share the milestone. So too the Merritone sound system and guest selectors Michael Thompson and Michael Barnett.

For Winston ‘Merritone’ Blake, a long-time friend of Simmons, it was a nostalgic evening.

“I spoke to at least four people who said they saw four people they had not seen in over 20 years. The people really came out to have a good time,” said Blake.

Simmons first operated a petrol service station at the location. He opened the restaurant when that venture closed.

Coore, 57, used the occasion to present a copy of Third World’s latest album, Black, Gold & Green, to the Merritone team. The band also marks its 40th anniversary this year.

The Merritone ‘sound’ plays on Sunday at My Beach in Lyssons, St Thomas, in a charity event, staged jointly with service clubs in that parish. Proceeds from the dance will benefit people affected by Hurricane Sandy in October.