Geddes, N.Y. — After taking a year off from serving “the best chicken tenders on Earth” at the New York State Fair, Tully’s is returning to the Fairgrounds. This time, it’s for good.
Dan Giamartino, a partner in the family-run business that operates all the Tully’s locations, said today they’ll return to the same spot between the Eatery Building and the Midway for this year’s Fair. Tully’s, along with 64 other vendors, pulled out of the 2021 Fair because of staffing shortages brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’re very much looking forward to being back,” Giamartino said. “We’ve been operating out of a tent for 20 years. it’s time we make it permanent.”
Giamartino credited State Fair Director Troy Waffner and Concessions Manager Geneanne Keegan-Smith for helping them return. The state awarded contracts totaling $1.4 million for the construction of a permanent 1,600-square-foot stand.
A concrete pad will be poured this spring or summer, and the building will go up prior to the 2023 Fair. The stand will occupy the same amount of space as the old tent. Oh My Darling, a restaurant in downtown Syracuse, took the space last year. State Fair officials haven’t heard whether it will return this year.
“This is great news for lovers of chicken tenders and for the Fair, too,” said Dave Bullard, a State Fair spokesman. “We’re very happy to have Tully’s back and even more excited to know that the new permanent stand represents a long-term relationship with our great partners at Tully’s.”
The company will retain its Tully’s Draft House, a permanent beer stand at Gate 2, behind Chevy Court. That stand was open last year because it didn’t require as much staffing as the food stand. Giamartino said they’re already working on making sure they’ll have the people to serve food and drinks at this year’s Fair.
Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him under @HoosierCuse on Twitter and on Instagram.