History
The taste of Philadelphia sports came alive late one night in 1987. An argument and a brotherly brawl over mom’s unique gravy at 4 am in the Ciarrocchi household, led to what is now the unique Chickie’s & Pete’s zesty cuisine. With a mother’s ingredients, a respected family business, and Pete’s own tried, tested, and perfected French fry reinvention, Crabfries®, Pete Ciarrocchi was destined for success.
The story began a decade earlier when, in 1977, Peter and Henrietta Ciarrocchi bought the Robbins Avenue taproom in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. Young Pete followed his parents’ example and served the regulars with a smile. He was and still is a friend to all. Growing up Pete ran with both jocks and rockers. He could change minds, influence peers, and even reinvent taste. In 1987 Pete made sure his parents’ legacy lived on. Pete became the face of Chickie’s & Pete’s with the help of his brother, Tom. His charisma, dynamic personality, and great food were enough to bring in the crowds on Sunday to celebrate, jeer, and be Philadelphia. Pete understood the pulse of the city: food, sports, and people.
In 1998, The Vet, the once home of the “Iggles” and the “Phightin’ Phils” became Pete’s new home and kingdom. Led by his proprietary Crabfries®, the Mayfair family business became a fan favorite concession. Pete’s infectious energy and impressive cuisine became his recipe for success. From Andy Reid’s late night meetings, “taxi crabbing” Eagles players from airport to complex, to mixing it up with Oprah and Jon Bon Jovi, Pete Ciarrocchi’s success has exploded.
The Chickie’s & Pete’s hometown flavor has expanded to 19 full-service locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Las Vegas and was voted ESPN’s #1 Sports Bar on the East Coast.
In late 2009, Pete unveiled his “reinvention of the sports bar,” PLAY². This trademarked concept… where you don’t just watch sports on TV, you become the sport… has massive momentum and is our platform for growth. The Parx Casino location, with PLAY² completely integrated, is our model for the future.
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The Original
1977Peter and Henrietta Ciarrocchi purchased the Robbins Avenue taproom in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. A young Pete followed his parents’ example and served the regulars with a smile. He was and still is a friend to all. Growing up, Pete ran with both jocks and rockers. He could change minds, influence peers, and even reinvent taste.
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Pulse of The City
1987In 1987 Pete made sure his parents legacy lived on. Pete became the face of Chickie’s & Pete’s® with the help of his brother, Tom. His charisma, dynamic personality, and great food were enough to bring in the crowds on Sunday to celebrate, jeer, and be Philadelphia. Pete understood the pulse of the city: food, sports, and people
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Phamous South Philly
1998The Vet, the once home of the “Iggles” and the “Phightin’ Phils” became Pete’s new home and kingdom. Led by his proprietary Crab Fries®, the Mayfair family business became a fan favorite concession. Pete’s infectious energy and impressive cuisine became his recipe for success. From Andy Reid’s late night meetings, “taxi crabbing” Eagles players from airport to complex, to mixing it up with Oprah and Jon Bon Jovi, Pete Ciarrocchi’s success has exploded.
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Roosevelt Blvd. Opened
1999This large Northeast Philadelphia Chickie's & Pete's opened in 1999 and is located at 11000 Roosevelt Boulevard. Indoors it features two big bars, a private dining room, a 14’ Big Screen, and plenty of TVs to meet every sports enthusiast needs. Outdoors the Boulevard offers an all-season covered patio and deck where we often conduct large parties and feature live bands amongst the expansive bar and updated TV’s.
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First New Jersey Location
2005The first Chickie’s & Pete’s location in New Jersey opened in 2005. It is conveniently located off US 130 in Bordentown. The store features a signature bar, plenty of TVs, and a private dining room. With this move, Chickie’s & Pete’s brings the ultimate stadium experience closer to home for our New Jersey fans!
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First Airport Locations
2007Beginning in late 2007, Chickie’s & Pete’s began opening locations at the Philadelphia International Airport and offering our signature dishes to all travelers passing through.
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Play2
2009Pete unveiled his “reinvention of the sports bar,” PLAY². This trademarked concept; where you don’t just watch sports on TV, but you become part of the sport has massive momentum and is our platform for growth. The South Philly location, with PLAY² completely integrated, is our model for the future.
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Parx Casino
2010In 2010 Chickie’s and Pete’s opened its first location in Bucks County, PA. Conveniently located inside Parx Casino in Bensalem, this full-service facility features the latest technology in audio, video, lighting, and interactive gaming.
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Expanding to The Suburbs
2011In late 2011, Chickie’s & Pete’s completed a year of rapid expansion by adding two new locations in the Philadelphia Suburbs. Our new Audubon location is just a short drive from the King of Prussia mall, conveniently located just minutes from the PA Turnpike and Rt. 202. The Warrington location opened just up 611 off County Line Road.
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Drexel Hill
2012In July 2012, Chickie’s & Pete’s opened its first location in Delaware County, PA. Our new Drexel Hill location is just a short drive from the Springfield mall, conveniently located just minutes from I-476 and sits on Rt. 1.
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Welcome to Atlantic City!
2013Chickie's and Pete's at the Tropicana opens! Chickie’s and Pete’s Sports Bar and Crab House is located just off the casino floor and the Boardwalk inside of the Tropicana Hotel and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.
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PPL Center
2014Chickie’s and Pete’s Sports Bar and Seafood Restaurant at the PPL Center opened in October of 2014 and is excited to expand its presence in the Lehigh Valley. This location is located on Hamilton Street inside the PPL Center.
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Carowinds
2014Chickie’s and Pete’s opened at Carowinds. The new Chickie’s & Pete’s is open in the back of the park, not far from Boomerang Bay.
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Glassboro
2016In 2016, Chickie's and Pete's expanded into Glassboro, NJ on the Rowan University Campus.
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Kansas City, MO
2017Chickie's and Pete's® famous Crab Fries® can now be enjoyed at Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The Future of Chickie's & Pete's
2018 and OnChickie's and Pete's® has plans for expansion and even more amenities and your greatest local sports bar. Our Marlton, NJ location will be opened conveniently located where RT. 70 and RT. 73 cross. Even more locations to come!