Let the Chicken Coop cheer you this Christmas

Photo: Picasa

The staff of the Mexico Chicken Coop, in no particular order: Catherine Ross, Deirdra Gallant, Debbie Pepin, Adriarna Ross, Lisa Hodgkins, Barbara Ferland, Terri Yates, Janice Young, Craig Surrette, Lauren Whittamore, Glen Turbide, Mike Lemay, Therese Cihak, wish you a very merry Christmas. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

MEXICO- Whether you’re looking for a Sunday afternoon hot spot to watch the game, a quiet, fireside lunch with your sweetheart, or a room to gather for your family party, the Mexico Chicken Coop is the spot.

More than 60 years ago, Frances and Demps Kersey opened the Mexico Chicken Coop, naming it for the coop that once operated out of the basement of the 41 Main Street building, where “The Coop,” as locals call it, is still located today.

In February of 1997, Mark and Catherine Ross bought the business, did some renovation work and reopened. Sadly, 10 years later, Mark Sr. passed away. But, locals had nothing to fear, as the business was handed down to his children, Mark Jr., Tim and Adriarna Ross, with Catherine performing as general manager.

The Coop has a staff of 14, and they are faces you are sure to recognize as you walk through the front door. Whether they are cooking, cleaning, waiting tables or taking your reservation, they will treat you like you’re one of the family.

The Coop is taking reservations for Christmas parties, birthdays, baby showers, graduation parties, you name it, they will help you host a most festive event. They have seating for 50 upstairs and 100 in the main dining room. They also cater in, and outside the restaurant. They have menus ranging from brunch to lunch and dinner buffets and appetizers for cocktail parties, all for a reasonable price.

Some exciting news they want to share is that they will be hosting Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. in their “Coupe Lounge,” where they have three new flat screen televisions. There will be food and drink specials, as well as Sunday football specials all afternoon and into the evenings. Enjoy a top-of-the-line margarita, bloody mary or the king-sized martini to get your party started.

On December 1, they will be debuting their new menu, full of all your favorite foods with house wines to compliment any meal, fresh baked rolls and fresh cut fries. They will also be featuring their fresh baked pies and yummy homemade desserts.

You may be asking yourself, who is the culinary genius behind all the tasteful food. Well, you may recognize her, Therese Cihak. She grew up in the area, went away to train at the New England Culinary School in Vermont and now she’s back to create some amazing dishes for you.

Cihak uses as many local ingredients as she can, as Catherine Ross is sure to keep local farmers and suppliers like Naples at her right hand to purchase the freshest, most choice pieces of meat and fish.

The Coop is also including new fare on their daily menu, such as Mexican, Italian, Oriental and vegetarian dishes that are sure to make your taste buds celebrate. And, not to worry, there is an extensive children’s menu for that little one in your party.

Are you looking for that hot spot to bring a business partner? Catherine noted, “We encourage our businessmen and women coming for lunch or dinner to bring your business cards to put in our basket drawing for a free lunch.”

The Coop is your place to gather with friends and family, grab a bite of their homemade classics like Yankee pot roast, hot turkey or ham dinner, slow roasted prime rib or enjoy a New England boiled dinner. You can check out the latest creations by local photographers, Christal Treadwell and Dee Kersey, as well as many others on display, and enjoy a relaxing drink in front of the fireplace.

The Mexico Chicken Coop is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and they are closed on Monday. They will be open Monday, December 31, for your New Year’s Eve dinner.

You can make your reservations for any upcoming gathering or party of eight or more, by calling 364-2710.