NEW SHARON — The Nichols family opens the Top of the Hill Grill and BBQ Tuesday, June 7, after weeks of renovations and making improvements.
“Yum is the word,” Lorna Nichols quoted taste testers who tried a variety of dishes Sunday. Nichols invited 30 and asked them to say what they liked and what they didn’t. “Other words voiced about the food and restaurant — delish, unique, brighter and love it,” she said.
Scott Nichols Jr. and his wife, Michele, who serves as restaurant manager, have included a variety of barbecue items such as pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, brisket, chicken and wings.
Lorna Nichols resigned as executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce last month and Michele resigned as her assistant to help Scott open the restaurant on Routes 2 and 27.
“We’re excited to have our own business in our own town,” Lorna said. “We’ve been overwhelmed with the support and encouragement we’ve received.”
Fresh meats will be smoked on site. Salads, dressings, biscuits and desserts will all be made there too, Lorna said. A contest is being held to name two of the three barbecue sauces made at the restaurant.
A signature dessert, strawberry shortcake served with homemade biscuits, is available anytime along with other dessert items.
Richard Fotter, known for his work at The Rack in Carrabassett Valley, Porter House in Eustis and Trails End, has helped the Nichols set up the restaurant and train the younger Nichols to cook in quantity.
The restaurant will also feature homemade chili and Bean’s Corner barbecue beans. Lorna grew up in Bean’s Corner and brings her favorite recipe.
With an open, lighter look to the restaurant that seats 48 inside and another 30 on the outside patio, plans are under way for a Friday night biker’s night and a cruise-in for older model vehicles on Thursday night from June through October.
They are employing three part-time servers and a part-time dishwasher for now, she said.
The restaurant will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and closed on Mondays. It is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays.
More information is available on their website, www.topofthehillgrillonline.com
abryant@sunjournal.com
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- Top of the Hill Grill and BBQ opens Tuesday in New Sharon. Scott Nichols Jr., cuts meat while his wife, Michele, left, and mother, Lorna, finish preparations Monday for the opening.
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- Lorna Nichols checks on smoked pork butts Monday while preparing for the opening of Top of the Hill Grill and BBQ Tuesday in New Sharon. Fresh meats will be smoked at the site, she said.
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- Top of the Hill Grill and BBQ is expected to open Tuesday morning in New Sharon. A new sign announces one of the planned barbecued items, pulled pork sandwiches.
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- Top of the Hill Grill and BBQ opens Tuesday in New Sharon. Scott Nichols cuts meat while his wife, Michele, left, and mother, Lorna, finish preparations Monday for the opening.
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