Hickory House Aspen invites community to annual Thanksgiving meal

In the 28 years since Paul Dioguardi took ownership of Aspen’s Hickory House (except for two years of the COVID-19 pandemic), he has maintained the roadhouse’s annual Thanksgiving tradition.

“It was in place way before me. The story I have been told is that one of the previous owners, Billy (Stone), was diagnosed with cancer, and that’s when he put on the first Thanksgiving,” Dioguardi said. “It was basically written in my lease — not really — but I was told, ‘Hey, if you’re gonna buy this, you have to continue on this tradition.’ Which I was happy to do.”

Like every year, everyone is welcome to partake in a Thanksgiving meal free of charge, though the restaurant suggests a $10 donation if able, which is then donated to a local nonprofit. Contributions are strictly voluntary and anonymous.

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“We’ll have donation boxes around. Some people give a quarter. Some people don’t give anything. Some people give 100 bucks,” he said. “We don’t know who they are. Drop whatever you can, whatever you want.”

This year’s recipient is Bridging Bionics, whose mission is to provide access to affordable and ongoing physical therapy and advanced technology for all individuals with neurological mobility challenges.

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“I’ve got two very good friends who are in the Bridging Bionics program due to some serious head trauma,” Dioguardi said. “So I picked them again this year due to the personal connection to (Executive Director Amanda Boxtel) and her organization, and to support my two good friends.”

With 55 turkeys, 200 pounds of roast beef, 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pies, and cookies being prepped and cooked this week, Dioguardi said he expects to feed about 800-1,000 people from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

“It’s a come eat, enjoy, watch football and support a good cause kind of day,” he said.

Much of the food is donated and the day is powered by his staff and an army of community volunteers.

“The event is held at the Hickory House, but we get a lot of help. Paradise Bakery donates cookies, my landlord (The Luu family of Luu Brothers Cleaners) buys all the turkeys every year, Aspen Caterers and Aspen Party Rentals donates some heat lamps, Alsco Linen Company donates aprons and towels for the staff,” he explained. “So it’s truly a community event.”

He said they have been fielding calls from would-be volunteers for Thursday’s feast. Dioguardi said if there is interest in helping out, just show up, and you will be put to work serving, bussing tables, washing dishes, and more.

Dioguardi stressed that the meal is for everyone whether in need or not and that it is his favorite day of the year because he sees so many familiar faces, many of them only once a year. The camaraderie and giving back embody the spirit of Thanksgiving and mean the most to him and the Hickory House team.

“I’m here year-round and we’re a local restaurant. They (the community) support me year-round. It’s my day to give back to them,” he said. “Aspen is still an amazing place. No matter how much it’s changed, it’s still a great place. It’s a great place to raise a family. I’ve raised mine here and it’s a huge part of who I am. We still have great people in this town, and that’s kind of why I continue to do this year after year.”

Hickory House is located at 730 W Main St. Thanksgiving will be served from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday or until the food runs out.

Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.