In 1988 Ronald Amorando (Hen House owner), decided to step out from behind the cutting board and open his own chicken and rib restaurant in Southington, Connecticut.
The "Chicken Man" had his humble beginnings at the Drumstick BBQ in Bridgeport, CT where, during his 5-year stint, he learned many tricks of the trade - including prep, cooking and barbecuing.
Although he had his skeptics (including his "chicken mentor" who stated, “Oh, you’re crazy; you’re not going to make it!”), with the help of his dad and sister’s constant urging, the effort to make this dream a reality began. Dad and Sis just happened to be driving one day and randomly got off Exit 32 on Queen Street in Southington and reported seeing a storefront for rent near the town's center. Once Ron saw it, the fact that it would be a great location for his chicken and rib restaurant was immediately obvious.
While Ron was renovating his newly rented space, he was contemplating the appropriate name for his new undertaking. During a family brain-storming session, his step-mom "clucked", “How about Hen House?” and it simply fit perfectly. On April 11, 1988, Hen House BAR-B-Q, with customers already forming a waiting line, opened its doors to the public.
Ron (along with Dad and Sis, in the beginning) worked countless hours 7 days a week, trying to satisfy the barbecue lovers of Southington and surrounding areas. The Hen House started with a small menu: fried chicken, barbecue ribs and a little seafood, followed by an expanding menu to give the customers even more of what they liked: including hot wings, chicken sandwiches and chicken nuggets.
Over the years the business grew steadily and by 1993 Ron’s restaurant was ready for an upgrade. The improvements included a brand new dining room with air conditioning to ensure diners comfort during the hot New England summers. A grill was added for request, such as hotdogs, hamburgers, Turkey burgers and pastrami melts. His Philly Steaks began to be praised as "The Best East Of The Philadelphia". His fresh daily salads and cornbread became other specialty favorites.
The Hen House Bar-B-Q has been open 30 years and has earned a proud reputation for its great quality home-style food. Ron has also added catering to his repertoire, accommodating events from 10 to 500 people, dedicating himself tirelessly to making every event a success.
Ever growing and expanding, Connecticut’s only 5-star BBQ restaurant, the Hen House Bar-B-Q is the perfect place to come for great food and friendly people.
