Fat Eddie's opens January 19th, 1978

On this day in South Brunswick History…
Fat Eddie's Groaning Board opens in Dayton in 1978. Fat Eddie's was a popular eatery on Georges Road. This historic building housed many businesses. Today it is La Taverna. Originally it was the Whitlock Tavern built in 1739.

Fat Eddie's-The Full Story

Some South Brunswick legends refuse to die. Of the stories about local eateries, one stands out above the rest even though the establishment closed its doors several years ago. At the site of the colonial public house, called the Whitlock Inn, Fat Eddie's Groaning Board opened its doors on January 19, 1978. It was located on the corner of Georges Road and Ridge Road in Dayton. To appease the ghosts that reside in this place, mention must be made of the first establishment there. The Whitlock Inn opened for business in the late 1700's, as a residence and public house run by James and Moses Whitlock. John Barricklo ran this popular watering hole in the 1790's. His son took charge and lasted until 1825, when William Schenck ran the place. W. B. Schenck kept a store there until the Vandeveer family took over. For the next hundred years the place served as a residence for various families. It was eventually sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ed "Fat Eddie" Grumes, who turned it into a restaurant which specialized in Mexican food. Grumes made extensive repairs before opening his new place of business. He created a seating capacity of a hundred. With Fat Eddie's unique way of doing things, a local legendary landmark was given new life and an interesting reputation. Besides his Mexican specialties, Fat Eddie offered the usual American cuisine, which included his intriguing and kid-friendly favorite--"Animal Burgers." He also featured Rev. John Maltby's irresistible homemade pies. Right after Fat Eddie's Groaning Board closed it doors, it was sorely missed. The place is not the same. Who will ever forget the signs on the restroom doors--"Groaners" and "Groanettes"! Many locals remember Fat Eddie's fondly. So do the ghosts who still frequent the place.