BJ Roasters

BJ Roasters is hugely popular with the locals. I’m not really sure why. Maybe they were the popular kids in high school and have lots of friends. Who knows?
I have a 3-​strikes policy towards most places. I know how hard it is for small businesses and really like to give them the benefit of the doubt when I can, but BJ’s struck out with me 3 times.
Strike 1: On my first visit, it was about 2 hours before posted closing time and they didn’t have any chicken left. If you’re a place that specializes in chicken and you run out, you should close for the day.
Strike 2: My next visit, I ordered some of their ever popular wings. I got served overcooked, dry, leathery, desiccated things that I suppose were chicken parts at one time. Not even any sauce. Even the fries were cooked in a similar fashion. It was hard to tell the two foods apart.
Strike 3: Ordered chicken. They had some in stock. I could see my chicken there in the warmer, beckoning me with the siren song of its golden deliciousness. Had to wait 20 – 30 minutes while another order via phone (or twelve) was filled. Must’ve been their high school pals. When I finally got the chicken and sat down in their «dining room», it was merely average.
Sorry BJ’s. You’re out as far as I’m concerned. Life’s too short for mediocre of just plain disappointing meals.
Like I said, I love to support my local businesses. The one I’m supporting for the best chicken in the region, is Joe’s Poultry in Vineland.

BJ’s Roasters is okay in a pinch. For a place that specializes in roasted chicken, they don’t really do anything special with it. The roasted chickens they sell at Shoprite and Pathmark are just as good, if not better. BJ’s dining room is very… ahem… understated (think pizza joint.) I was very disappointed with the sides as well. I think BJ’s is one of those places that you either like or you don’t. This place just didn’t do it for me. I won’t be going back, but I wouldn’t necessarily discourage others from going there.