Shawnee Mountain History: Hickory Licks

Welcome back to our series on Shawnee Mountain history! In these posts, we’ll cover the founding and expansion of Shawnee Mountain over the years.

Last post, as long ago as it was: We talked about Shawnee Peak, a Maine-based mountain that was briefly under our tutelage. If you missed it, check out the post here.

Today we run through a quick lesson on our restaurant, now known as Groomer’s Grill & Bar!

Groomers Grill & Bar, Shawnee Mountain’s only sit-down dining option, has a rich history that dates back to 1987. The restaurant was originally built alongside what is now known as the Trepp Lodge (formerly the West Lodge) and was designed to serve both summer and winter guests. During the summers, it catered to visitors of the Play Park, while in the winter, it offered warm meals to hungry skiers after a day on the slopes. The menu featured hearty, BBQ-style dishes, including ribs and burgers cooked over a charcoal grill.

Initially opened in 1988, the restaurant was called “The Hickory Licks Charcoal Grill,” a name suggested by Kevin Adams, the restaurant manager at the time. To come up with the name, Kevin recalls making a long list of adjectives that reminded him of barbecue food, and combined words until he found a combo that fit.

Kevin’s creativity was put to good use in both naming the restaurant and promoting it. In fact, his face—covered in BBQ sauce—was famously displayed on billboards throughout the Poconos, drawing hungry travelers in to sample the menu.

Fast forward to 2022, as Shawnee Mountain underwent a rebranding, the restaurant adopted a new name: Groomers Grill & Bar This was a nod to the mountain’s hardworking grooming staff and the act of grooming, which is important to mid-Atlantic skiing. Along with the name change came an updated menu featuring a wide variety of family-friendly food options, ensuring that guests of all ages can enjoy a meal with a view of the beginner’s and tubing hills.

Today, Groomers is open Thursday through Monday during ski season, continuing to serve delicious food with a side of Shawnee Mountain history. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or simply enjoying the atmosphere, Groomers Grill & Bar is the perfect place to warm up and refuel.

Written on: September 12, 2024  |  Written by: Michaela K., Marketing Asst.