By Christopher Holland • The Current Contributing Writer
A boutique hotel nestled in the historic district of downtown Jim Thorpe, The Inn at Jim Thorpe is an iconic landmark in Carbon County, regularly attracting visitors from around the world.
Owned by John, Dale, David and Mark Drury, The Inn features 63 rooms with a full-service restaurant, a pub with live music three times a week, a meeting room, game room, massage and beauty salon and more.
In addition to the hotel, restaurant and pub, the very popular Broadway Underground hosts events regularly including live bands, DJs and more. The room is also available for meeting space for local corporations and can be rented out for private events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, baby showers, birthday bashes and more.
“My dad purchased the building in 1988 and was in the process of having it renovated and wanted my help and asked me to run the business once the project was completed,” said David Drury.
Prior to taking helm of The Inn, Drury was living in Southern California trying to make it in the music business, but ultimately he and his wife decided to move back east and move on to what he called “phase two” of his life, where he then took over the family business.
“I was given a 30-day crash course in running The Inn and then just started winging it,” Drury said. He noted that Jack Sturm, a local hotel consultant who has since passed away, helped him through the beginning years.
“I guess you could say he was my mentor… an awesome guy and good friend,” Drury said.
Drury said that this is the 30th year of operation since his family started their business, and of course there have been many challenges during the years.
He said that renovations began in 1990 and continued through 2001 with breaks in between.
“Then we went and renovated another thing and then another thing…” he said.
David Drury attended Penn State University pursuing a degree in hotel/restaurant management before dropping out after two years to pursue his dream of being a musician.
“I worked in restaurants and commercial kitchens prior to moving to Southern California, so I had a little bit of experience,” he said. “Plus, I did have some background in rehabbing old buildings, having helped my dad with his various projects throughout the years, starting at age 10.”
The Inn is open 24/7 and the restaurant “The Broadway Grille” is open seven days per week from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. The pub is open daily 11 a.m. to at least midnight. The operation employees 60-75 people depending on the season.
“We try to keep things casual and fun here… that overall vibe, which starts with our staff, helps to make our guests’ experiences memorable,” Drury said.
The business offers special packages including “girlfriend getaways” and “romantic couple escapes.”
“We have a great relationship with Pocono Whitewater and continue to offer biking and rafting packages in conjunction with them,” Drury said.
Drury said that the future of the business looks bright.
“More small businesses are opening up and more and more visitors are coming through, which is great for us,” he said.
He also noted that the new bike/pedestrian Mansion House Bridge which opened last year brings more cyclists into the area. He said that he expects that to increase and its popularity continues to grow.
Information on hotel accommodations and more can be found at www.innjt.com or by calling 800-329-2599.
Add Comment