How long have you been in business and where are you located?

Chico's opened for business on November 21 st, 2005. We just celebrated our Second Anniversary. We are located at 2490 Western Avenue in Guilderland across from Gade Farm.

How and why did you get into the business? I decided to open this restaurant because I love people and love cooking for people. My cooking background was mainly Italian cuisine, however about 15 years ago I got a taste for barbecue and started doing pig roasts in my own designed cooker. My love for food and desire to create led me to begin blending different barbecue styles and techniques from around the country to create a style of my own. I attended culinary school to learn about the business aspect of restaurant ownership and finally took the plunge.

Do you have many regular customers? Is there anything specific that they are always coming in for?

We have many regular customers who come back for a variety of reasons. I believe the main reason is because of our signature Smoked Chicken Wings and Smoked Prime Rib (Daily Specials on Monday and Wednesday), along with our Smoked Pulled Chicken and Pork – not to mention our Smoked St. Louis and Baby Back Ribs!

Another important reason is the prompt and friendly service each customer receives. I am proud to say my staff provides a very warm, relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for our customers. They also play a key role in helping me further evolve the business.

Are you known for anything special?

We won Metroland’s Best Barbecue. We are known as the place to get Real Southern Style Barbecue. Our meats are brined (soaked in a seasoned bath), dry rubbed, then smoked with apple wood which gives it a unique flavor – right down to the bone. We also have a signature homemade barbeque sauce (regular or spicy) for those who love it “wet”!

What hours are you open?

Our hours are from 11AM – 11PM, 7 days a week. Our kitchen is open until 10PM.

What do you love most about the business?

My favorite part about the business is meeting my guests and enjoying their smiles once they have finished their meal. I encourage customers to let me know if things were not as expected so we can correct the problem immediately. I am always open to suggestions, comments or questions. We try new ideas everyday and encourage you to join our e-mail list or visit our website for daily specials, holiday specials and menu selections. We are currently offering a whole Smoked Turkey for the holidays, so please call for details.

What do you want the community to know about you?

You may have seen several motorcycles parked outside over the summer months. I belong to an elite motorcycle group, the Harley Owners Group, consisting of middle-aged professionals who support many worthy causes throughout the year. This is my main source of recreation as well as my way to give back to the community.