The Grill Reaper

The Grill Reaper

Have you ever gotten tired of the same old food in Bloomsburg? It seems like everywhere you go you can find a pizza spot or fast food joint but nothing that really makes your stomach growl. Well, enter the Grill Reaper, a new burger place that's not just your average chain or fast food restaurant, but a unique experience. As soon as the door swings open, your nostrils are greeted with a savory aroma of freshly grilled smash burgers that instantly makes your mouth water! The sizzle of patties on the grill and the friendly chatter of staff create a welcoming atmosphere. The first thing you notice is their unique collection of apparel with the grim reaper logo behind the counter.

Front of Store Apparel

As you begin to make your way down the long narrow hallway towards the cashier, where recessed lights line the halls casting eerie shadows that add to the ambiance, you pass the condiment station labeled “choose your weapons.” The dim lighting and grim setting perfectly ties in with the name “The Grill Reaper,” creating a gloomy, almost chilly atmosphere with everything in black and gray. The Grill Reaper was named by Lisa's son, Chris. He wanted a name that sounded cool and would catch the eye of the people in Bloomsburg. Knowing that their target demographic would be college students, they wanted to go with a name that stands out but is also important to their family. The name is a play on the character the grim reaper, throughout the eatery there are little skulls and reaper statues that really match the aesthetic. The decor features skulls and reaper action figures, making for a unique and immersive dining experience. As you approach the counter where purple strip lights line the edges creating a gloomy undertone, you are greeted by Lisa, the owner and mastermind of The Grill Reaper dressed casually in jeans and a t- shirt with the eateries logo.

condiments station

Lisa wasn't always in the food industry but she has had a burning passion for cooking for as long as she could remember. Lisa's journey to opening the Grill reaper is as unique as the restaurant itself. Before venturing into the food industry, Lisa spent 28 years as a manager at walmart. The inspiration to open the restaurant came from her desire to get her son off the road, as he was a trucker. When she asked him what could make that happen, he replied “my dream is to own a food truck”. Lisa made that dream a reality, and they started selling their signature smash burgers from the truck in the Berwick area, where they are originally from.

In 2018, Lisa tragically lost her daughter due to epilepsy and almost her son in the same week. This heart wrenching experience is why you will notice purple ribbons on the front door and throughout the restaurant, symbolizing epilepsy awareness. Lisa says, “we wanted a way to keep her with us in this journey and raise awareness to help others go through what we did”. Eventually, her son wanted to open a brick-and-mortar location, and they began bidding on a building in downtown Bloomsburg. Despite competition from chain restaurants, the community decided we already had enough pizza spots and fast food places and decided they needed a unique burger place, and the Grill Reaper was born.

Opening in July, they faced initial challenges. The first day The Grill Reaper opened, it was 90 degrees outside and the building had no air conditioning. People were lined up out the door eager to try the new Burger place and it was over 90 degrees inside by the grills! After a few months of being open, Lisa decided to make closing time 2am because she knew the students would still be roaming the streets of Bloomsburg. By 2am the restaurant was still packed with college students enjoying their new favorite burger spot. The Grill Reapers team found themselves working until 4 am. The initial rush of customers was so overwhelming that they had to stay open late to ensure everyone was served. Despite the exhaustion, the experience was incredibly rewarding. It was a testament to the community's excitement and support, setting the tone for the unique and beloved burger place that The Grill Reaper would become.

The menu offers a wide variety of options, with the OG SmashBurger being the most popular choice. This is your traditional smash burger with ketchup, pickles, grilled onions, tomato, romaine lettuce, and american cheese. They also have interesting items on the menu like the Takis Burger which contains takis, sriraacha mayo, chili lime, romaine lettuce, bacon, and american cheese. This burger will have your mouth watering with its spicy crunch, featuring crispy takis that add an irresistible kick to every bite. Moving on to my personal favorite, the Bacon Mac Burger. This is a traditional smash burger topped with bacon and a scoop of mac n cheese. This burger will have your mouth watering with its savory goodness, featuring creamy mac and cheese and crispy bacon for an unforgettable flavor combination. The food is addictive and will have you running back for more.

menu

I believe it is the customer service that really brings customers back to the Grill Reaper. The employees have gotten many raving reviews on customer service. The restaurant being a family owned business creates a comfy and inviting environment for customers to relax and enjoy their meal. The employees at The Grill Reaper really take pride in customer service ensuring that every guest feels valued and well taken care of. Lisa exclaimed to me that this is the most important aspect to her and her family and one that she insisted would carry over to her business.

The grill reaper isn't just another food spot. It is a culinary experience that redefines what it means to savor each bite. With its unique blend of flavors and innovative dishes, it has made a niche for itself in the world of food and is truly one of a kind. Whether you are a big food critic or just looking for something new to try, The Grill Reaper promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds. So, next time you’re in search of a new obsession that offers amazing customer service, remember that The Grill Reaper is the place to be.