It’s been a bumpy year for Shakedown BBQ, but owners Chris and Sarah Heilig are ending 2023 in a good place.
The couple recently opened a barbecue/pizza restaurant at 1708 Fairmont Drive at the Union Station development in Lower Paxton Township. They’re advertising “fresh vibes and a new location.”
The restaurant replaces Nomad Pizza and is located near The Beerded Goat Brewing Co. and Hops and Barleys at the complex. The focus is barbecue with smoked meats, including wings, ribs, turkey breast, brisket and pork along with pizza.
“It’s close to everything and in this community where people can walk. It’s beautiful and brand new,” Sarah said.
Opening the restaurant ends a nearly four-year journey for the couple, who in 2019 closed their first Shakedown BBQ in East Hanover Township next to Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
Over the years, they consulted and took on other projects. In 2020, they opened a Broad Street Market stand in Harrisburg , but the timing just weeks before the pandemic shutdowns led them to close.
Earlier this year, the Heiligs announced another project, but it fell through. They planned to open The Doghouse as a joint venture with the owners of Irgo’s Tavern in Lower Paxton Township.
“That’s when we got the huge response. We were like, clearly, people like us and want us back,” Sarah said.
They combed real estate, from Lebanon County to Linglestown, and discovered a vacancy at the Union Station complex. The menu combines Shakedown’s BBQ favorites, including new items such as The Mack Rib, similar to McDonald’s McRib but with real boneless baby back ribs.
Smoked wings are flying out the door. They sell 12- for $16 with a choice of sauces, ranging from VooDoo, Voodoo Garlic and Honey BBQ.
“We’re selling more wings now than we ever have by three times. We’re going through 160 pounds of wings a day. We’re rocking on that. It’s crazy,” Chris said.
They hired Khalil Cosley, formally of Knead Pizza, to head pizza production. Pies are cooked at a high temperature resulting in perfectly charred thin crusts.
A popular Anna Mae’s peanut butter pie sells in cups to-go, and Shakedown also sells its sauces and pickles to go.
The restaurant is open noon-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
