Joey's Red Hots To Open In Former Orland Hills Chicken-N-Spice

ORLAND HILLS, IL — Joey's Red Hots owner Anthony Nardo saw an opportunity, and had to take it.

The owner of the popular, smaller chain will soon open his seventh location, in the spot previously occupied by Chicken-N-Spice, 9135 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills.

Nardo and his business partner Nick Iozzo scooped up the property shortly after the fast food chicken spot shuttered in October. The newest Joey's location will resemble the one in New Lenox, Nardo said, and will offer a sit-down restaurant with a drive-thru.

"The opportunity presented itself, the building was for sale," Nardo said. "I truly believe it’s a great location."

Nardo, 37, currently has locations in Orland Park, New Lenox, Chicago, Crest Hill, and Riverdale.

Rumors that the Orland Park location—17400 Wolf Rd.—will close are false, Nardo said. He sees the Orland Hills location as a way to reach customers for whom the Wolf Road location might be too far.

"We have no plans on closing Wolf Road," Nardo said. "I believe Orland Hills is going to give us more clientele out east—Oak Forest, Tinley, north Orland. This is closer for them."

Chicken-N-Spice announced its closure of that location in January, ahead of owners beginning construction on a long-awaited New Lenox location.

Nardo said he hopes to open by mid- to late-January. The location will need a refresh ahead of its opening.

"The place was pretty much ready to go," Nardo said. "We just got to get in there and put our twist on it."

You can check out current Joey's menus online.

Nardo said he's looking forward to becoming part of the Orland Hills community.

"Orland Hills has welcomed us with open arms," he said.

Expansion would not be possible without the support of his staff and team, he added.

"It’s not a corporate setting, it’s more family friendly," Nardo said. "When customers come in there, they’re treated as family. That’s something we really pride ourselves on."