N. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A much-loved business serving up tasty, slow-smoked ribs, brisket and other barbecue specialties is making moves in Lehigh County.
Grill Life Barbecue, a food trailer offering wood-fired, slow-smoked meats and homemade sides such as creamy coleslaw, honey glazed cornbread and three-cheese smoked mac and cheese, has announced that it will move in early May to its new location at 3524 Route 309 in the Orefield section of North Whitehall Township.
Grill Life Barbecue
Owner Joe Zellner, with help from his brother, Brandon, opened Grill Life Barbecue in June 2022 at 2562 Route 309 in the Orefield section of South Whitehall Township.
The trailer will continue operating at its original spot – located near a Sunoco gas station and across from a Burger King restaurant – until the moving date.
In regard to the relocation, the Grill Life team plans to move the business on May 3 and 4 to its new spot – about a mile up the road next to Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre – and reopen on May 5.
“From what I’ve heard there use to be an old bbq truck there years ago,” the Grill Life team announced on the business’ Facebook page.
“I do want to note that we are not trying to replace history, but we are only moving to this location because it’s perfect for our operation. There’s more parking, picnic tables, shade, drinks and more.”
Pictured is Grill Life Barbecue’s “4 Horsemen,” featuring bacon wrapped chicken breast, stuffed with pulled pork and brisket.
Grill Life Barbecue
Before opening Grill Life, the Zellners, both Lehighton natives, had operated a renowned barbecue trailer, Brothers Q, in Florida for seven years.
The former Brothers Q trailer won several awards before the brothers moved back to Pennsylvania to be near family.
They also refined their barbecue’s flavor profiles after traveling to top barbecue spots in Tennessee, Texas and other states.
In Orefield, the Grill Life team uses a wood-fired smoker to cook selections such as brisket, ribs, chicken and pork.
Grill Life Barbecue
Most meats can be enjoyed on a roll as part of a sandwich or by the pound or half pound.
On select days, customers also can enjoy various specials, including pork belly lollipops and the “4 Horsemen” (bacon wrapped chicken breast, stuffed with pulled pork and brisket).
Other menu highlights include sides such as creamy coleslaw, smoked brisket baked beans, three-cheese smoked mac and cheese, smoked cheddar bacon potato salad and honey-glazed cornbread.
The Grill Life team noted that it has taken the time to talk with nearby residents and business owners at the new location.
“Everyone thus far has given us their blessings outside of one that we can’t get ahold of,” the online announcement continues.
“I personally am 100% confident in our smoking abilities that there will be 0 issues with smoke whatsoever. We run a very clean fire. Most of the time when you come to our place you can’t even see smoke. That’s the difference between a clean fire and a smoldering fire. If anyone ever, I mean ever has any issues please come to me first and let’s sit down and figure it out. All 3 of us are very respectful people and just want to be a part of the community in a positive way.”
Grill Life Barbecue
For the latest Grill Life updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: 610-483-1345.