Shakedown BBQ launching new adventure in Dauphin County

Shakedown BBQ is teaming up with the owners of Underdog Sports Bar & Grill to open the Doghouse in Lower Paxton Township.

The smoke is back at Shakedown BBQ.

Owners Chris and Sarah Heilig recently shared on Facebook they are rolling out a new project.

“We have teamed up with the owners of Underdogs to bring you, The DogHouse! The DogHouse will feature many of your favorites from ShakeDown BBQ, along with lots of new and exciting menu items,” reads the post.

An opening date has not been announced.

The DogHouse replaces Irgo’s Tavern at 6791 Linglestown Road in Lower Paxton Township, which closed earlier this summer and is owned by George and Jen Sgagias. The couple also operate Underdog Sports Bar & Grill restaurants in Swatara and Lower Paxton townships.

Shakedown BBQ ignited more than a decade ago, first operating out of a pickup truck with a steam table, three coolers, a smoker and grills in the parking lot of Manada Hill United Methodist Church at Route 39 and Old Jonestown Road.

It relocated to a permanent location near the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in East Hanover Township before closing in 2019. Shakedown was one of the Harrisburg area’s first barbecue joints.

Over the years, the Heiligs resurfaced and assisted other restaurants with menus, catered and operated a stand at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. As part of the change and to reflect the catering end of operations, the Heiligs are changing the business name to Shakedown BBQ Catering Co.

Chris and Sarah Heilig operated Sandwiches by Shakedown in 2020 at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. File photo by Sue Gleiter | [email protected]

According to the post, the Doghouse menu will feature many of Shakedown’s favorite items with new foods, ranging from barbecue, burgers and sandwiches to small plates, salads, desserts and entrees. It also will feature a full bar.

“We can’t wait to share this new adventure with everyone, and hope you all are as excited as we are!,” reads the post. “The plan is to keep a lot of the old while also bringing in a lot of new, so we invite you to come check out the vibes! We’re certain you’ll find yourself right at home at The DogHouse!”

The restaurant also will offer live music, open mic night jam sessions and other fun events and air sports events such as football.

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