For two decades, The Sarah Street Grill has been a cornerstone of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, serving up not just delicious food but also a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community. As this beloved establishment marks its 20th anniversary on Monday, it’s a testament to the vision and resilience of its owner, Dave Lapoint, and the unwavering support of the local community. From its humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated local hotspot, The Sarah Street Grill’s journey is one worth savoring.
From Political Science to Restaurant Success: The Sarah Street Grill Story
Dave Lapoint, the owner of The Sarah Street Grill, took an unconventional path to restaurant ownership. Initially a political science major at East Stroudsburg University, Lapoint’s career aspirations shifted as he discovered a passion for the restaurant industry while working as a waiter. This passion led him to put aside his legal dreams and, at the age of 28 in 1995, embark on the ambitious venture of opening his own restaurant. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Bailey’s, Lapoint established The Sarah Street Grill, envisioning a unique space that blended a coffeehouse vibe with live local music and quality dining.
The initial months were challenging, as is common with new businesses. Lapoint candidly recalls the anxiety of seeing an empty parking lot on weekend afternoons. Just as the restaurant was finding its footing, a significant setback struck in its seventh month – a fire. While undoubtedly a traumatic event, Lapoint reflects that the fire inadvertently became a turning point. It allowed The Sarah Street Grill to rebuild and redefine itself, solidifying its own identity rather than simply being seen as a successor to Bailey’s. This challenging period proved to be a crucial learning experience, ultimately contributing to the restaurant’s long-term success.
More Than Just a Grill: A Diverse Menu and Lively Entertainment
The Sarah Street Grill has evolved considerably from its initial concept. While Lapoint’s original vision included a coffeehouse feel with local music and excellent steaks, the restaurant has expanded its offerings to cater to a broader palate and entertainment preferences. True to its name, The Sarah Street Grill still prides itself on its steak offerings, but the menu now boasts a diverse range of options, including burgers, wraps, full dinners, and even sushi. This eclectic approach defies conventional restaurant wisdom which often emphasizes sticking to a single concept.
Central to the Sarah Street Grill experience is its prominent music stage, strategically located in the heart of the restaurant. This stage has become a vital platform for local musicians, providing a launching pad for emerging artists and a consistent venue for established acts. The Grill has hosted notable names like Quincy Mumford and Christian Porter, who gained national recognition on The Voice, as well as Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth. Lapoint emphasizes that music bookings are driven by a genuine appreciation for the artists’ music, rather than simply filling space, aiming to support musicians in their career progression.
Beyond music, The Sarah Street Grill also supports the local arts community by showcasing the work of local fine artists on its second floor. Each month features a new artist, with wine-and-cheese opening receptions to celebrate their work. Demonstrating further commitment to the arts, The Sarah Street Grill does not take any commission on art sales, ensuring that artists directly benefit from their exhibitions.
Committed to Community and Sustainability
Over the years, The Sarah Street Grill has undergone several positive transformations, consistently enhancing the customer experience. These improvements include the addition of a game room, a designated outdoor smoking area, expanded seating on the second floor, and inviting outdoor dining options. In a unique move towards sustainability, last year marked the introduction of an on-site garden. At its peak, this garden can supply approximately half of the restaurant’s produce, showcasing a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Sarah Street Grill’s commitment to environmental responsibility extends beyond its garden. The restaurant actively implements green practices such as collecting stormwater for garden irrigation, utilizing solar panels, and employing automatic lighting timers to reduce energy consumption. Lapoint proudly notes that recycling has been a core practice since the restaurant’s inception, reflecting a long-standing dedication to sustainability.
Furthermore, The Sarah Street Grill is deeply ingrained in the local community and actively seeks opportunities to give back. For each anniversary since 2003, the restaurant has chosen a local non-profit organization to support. This year, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, The Sarah Street Grill will donate 20% of all sales from Monday to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to local causes.
Join the 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
To commemorate this significant milestone, The Sarah Street Grill is hosting a weekend-long celebration packed with entertainment and community spirit. The festivities culminate on Monday, the official anniversary date, with a special lineup of events:
Weekend Entertainment Schedule:
- Saturday: Enjoy performances by a stellar lineup of musical guests including Bobby Syvarth, Chris Cuzme, Eddie Sanabria, Tim Carbone, Dave Cinquegrana, and Yoni Halevy.
- Sunday: Relax and enjoy the sounds of Pocono Duo and special guests.
- Monday:
- Live music kicking off at 3 p.m. featuring an impressive roster of artists: Christian Porter, Steve McDaniels and Bill Roother, Regina Sayles, Sachi Rodriguez, and George Wesley.
- 20% of all sales throughout the day will be donated to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.
- Participate in a 50/50 raffle for a chance to win and support a good cause.
- Test your skills in pool and dart tournaments.
Despite two decades of success, Dave Lapoint and The Sarah Street Grill remain focused on continuous improvement. Acknowledging the importance of their loyal customer base, Lapoint emphasizes that the team is constantly striving to enhance the dining and entertainment experience. The 20th-anniversary celebration is not just a look back at past achievements but also a reaffirmation of The Sarah Street Grill’s ongoing commitment to Stroudsburg and its vibrant community. For more details about the celebration and The Sarah Street Grill, visit www.sarahstreetgrill.com.
