Raptors Grill and Pub opens

We’ve waited a long time, but the wait is well worth it with the opening of the new Raptors Grill and Pub.

What was supposed to be a six-month project turned into almost four years for Tony Nettles and Julie Lehman, owners of the restaurant.

According to Lehman, there was trouble almost from the start with inspectors, the State Fire Marshall, electrical inspections and even the Department of Environmental Quality. The building was essentially gutted from the ground up with new floors and a new roof and nearly everything in between.

Nettles and Lehman as well as her mother, had all sunk their retirement funds into the project by the time it was finished.

December 26 was the official opening, and inside you’ll not only find high end finishes, but a quiet atmosphere, from the restaurant to the bar. There are even a few dinosaurs peeking at you from above.

Offerings include burgers, wraps and salads, and in keeping with the dinosaur theme you’ll find the Extinction Burger with green chili and swiss cheese and the Crabby “Wraptor”, a wrap with beef and crab along with sauteed mushrooms and swiss cheese.

There’s also the Roundtop Burger featuring pepperjack cheese, BBQ sauce and an onion ring as well as the Island Luau Burger with pineapple and a sweet chili sauce.

Lehman said they want to cater to the senior crowd, too, so along with a kids menu you’ll find a very affordable senior menu. Plans are to start daily specials in January.

There is still a good portion of the building that isn’t finished, but a conference room and an arcade are on the table.

In the spring, the Ice Age ice cream parlor will be added as well.

They are still looking for staff in both the bar and restaurant. You can pick up an application in person during business hours, 11 a.m. til 10 p.m., daily.