Griffin Paterson, Senior Editor
@GPCourant
Almost since the moment I discovered the magical experience of walking to town in 5th grade, Chicken Joe’s has been a part of my life. But as New Canaan’s ludicrously high rent and awkward parking situation have eaten away at profits, owner Jay Greco has been forced to close the local shrine to all-things-fried with its last day open today.
Since opening its doors in the spring of 2010, fried specialities like the High School Special and Mac Bites have found their way into New Canaanites hearts and minds. Upon the announcement of its closing, the entire town has been in a state of mourning, especially the younger generation.
To understand how much Chicken Joe’s means to the youth of this town one only has to foray into the halls of Saxe to comprehend the sheer magnitude of the pairs of Chicken Joe’s lax shorts, socks, or the classic white t-shirt as far as the eye can see. Having any of these was and is a status symbol, a right of passage at the middle school.
That intense devotion has carried over into the hearts and minds of high school students as well. “Their food clogged my arteries with the seeds of maturity,” senior Rafael Lovas said.
“I feel hollow and empty without it. Knowing I won’t be able to taste those crunchy tenders anymore makes me feel as if I have lost a loved one,” senior Mike Cognetta said. “I don’t know what kind of person I would be without it. Chicken Joe’s is life. Chicken Joe’s is love. R.I.P.”
The staff of Chicken Joe’s shares in our heartbreak at its closing. “We just want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the town of New Canaan and its customers for their patronage for the last six years. We’re sad to be going, but again, we just want to thank you for all of your support,” store manager Mark Weber said.
Now for anyone with the craving for deep fried Chicken Joe’s chicken the closest location is in Cos Cob. Chicken Joe’s, on behalf of the kids of New Canaan, thank you for feeding our insatiable teenage appetites with your greasy goodness. You will be missed.
Chicken Joe’s, New Canaan
2010-2016
“A fried chicken institution”
R.I.P
