Ossining Small Business Spotlight: Chows Caribbean Chicken

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Chows Caribbean Chicken
• Owners: Christopher and Charlese McDonald
• Website: www.chowscaribbeanchicken.com
• Address: 28 Main Street (adjacent to the Ossining Train Station Parking Lot)

How did you come up with the name?

Chows – comes from Christopher’s nickname ‘Chow’ and he has a great passion and reputation for cooking. Also it is a spin on the definition “to eat.” The slang term to ‘chow down and eat great food.’Caribbean Chicken – comes from the delectable and savory chicken varieties inspired by his Jamaican (Caribbean) background. His food is authentic jerk, drum pan barbecue, smoked, and rotisserie chicken. Once you taste it, you will become a lover. No one prepares and cooks quite the way Christopher does. Drop by to sample and you will see.

Why start a business in this town?

First and foremost, Ossining has been our home for 25+ years so it is essential to provide a quality service to our community. Second, there was a need to offer a different type of value as it pertained to food in a diverse community. We are and want to be known as ‘Fresh food NOT fast food’ even though we are a quick service (take out) restaurant.

We also wanted to appeal to the everyday commuter and consumer to go online and place their orders while coming home on the train or drop by to pick up great food to either supplement their meal at home or grab while they are on the go.

Chows does not fry any of our food selections. We steer more on the healthy side of cooking. We specialize in jerk, barbecue, smoked and rotisserie chicken. That is it! We have a few select sides that pair perfectly with our various types of chicken. Bottom line, we are keeping the menu simple to concentrate on providing our customers with the best quality food they can find locally.

What business are you in?

Restaurant (Quick Service/Take Out) – I also say “the hospitality business!” We are not just selling food, we are providing an experience and building relationships with our customers!

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Our location – for some reason, it is hard for people to find. And when you tell them we are located adjacent to the Ossining Train Station parking lot, they still seem to have a hard time finding it. We are hoping soon it will become a staple in people’s minds!

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Having walk-ins become regular and loyal customers. Also having our previous customers from Chows Caribbean Cuisine (that was located in Tarrytown several years ago), remain loyal customers after they find out we have opened a take-out restaurant.

How does your business give back to the community?

Chows gives back to Ossining by providing a local culinary solution without having to leave the village. And we are monetarily contributing to the local economy. Last but not least, we want to build relationships with our neighbors so that they feel comfortable to bring our food to their dinner tables or events and it reflects the same quality of food they would take pride in preparing themselves. It is always great to be a part of a solution – especially a culinary solution!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.