There’s A New Joe In Town

Fans of Jim Richardson’s Molly’s Midland Market may have been disappointed when the shop closed a few months ago.

By Tom McDermott

Fans of Jim Richardson’s Molly’s Midland Market may have been disappointed when the shop closed a few months ago. Some may have fallen into a severe withdrawal due to missing out on Jim’s pulled pork, or his mother-in-law’s meatballs.

But, they should not despair. Jim has opened the newest Chicken Joe’s with partners Paul and Cindy Gencarelli, and Michael Sorbella. The original Cos Cob Joe’s now has five satellite shops, including one in Albany, all of which give meaning to the term “filling station” in the teenage glossary.

On our recent visit, Richardson was working with Chicken Joe veteran Sorbella, who cruises from shop to shop (his current favorite – Albany – but that’s going to change, right, Garnets?) making sure the chicken nuggets, various sauces, and everything else are up to CJ’s exacting comfort food standards.

Enter the new shop at 382 Midland Avenue and be transported to or, depending on the case, back to high school, as long as that school is hyper-local. Rye High, Rye Neck, and Rye Country Day photos hang everywhere. Even the menu, especially the menu, picks up the theme, with Freshman, Sophomore, as well as Wildcat, Garnet, and Panther wedges. And, of course, the perennial favorite is none other than the High School Special: Half-pound chicken nuggets, fries, choice of two sauces, plus a drink for $7.49. Middle- schoolers might prefer the smaller Baby Special. Or not.

Chicken Joe’s also serves breakfast sandwiches – they open at 9:30 – grilled  burgers and dogs, and dessert, including rice pudding.

Did we forget to mention Joe’s corn fritters? Shame on us.