The first Tully's opened in Batavia in 1991 in a former Carroll's hamburger restaurant. Members of the Giamartino family had operated the Carroll's franchise there, which was one of the last in the country. With several locations all over CNY, Tullys has become best known for their self-proclaimed "Best Chicken Tenders on Earth".
The "quick service" fast food style location opened in 2021, simply known as Tully's Tenders, and occupies the former Friendly's Ice Cream location on Bridge Street. This location only serves Tullys famous fried chicken options, both tenders and sandwiches, as meals, salads even mac and cheese bowls.
I think most people who have lived in CNY for any amount of time have been to a Tullys at some point. They are a CNY staple, and everyone's had their tenders.
My wife and I stopped into Tullys Tenders recently honestly as a last resort. We were in Oswego, hungry, and there wasn't much open at the time by way of food options. As someone's who's been going to Tullys for over a decade, I've felt the restaurants had slipped quality wise over the last couple years, and the frequency I've gone has definitely slowed.
But....this location pleasantly surprised me. I dunno what it was, but the tenders were just so much better here than at the full restaurants, and my wife agreed. Perhaps it's just the fact that a smaller, concentrated menu is resulting in more consistent, better quality food coming out, but we both definitely noticed a difference.
Employees were very friendly and helpful, even after we had to cancel our original order because my wife panic ordered and changed her mind. This location is a stark contrast from the full restaurants, which have always been dark and dimly lit, but here the inside was bright and clean. They even had a drive through if you just wanna pick up and take it home.
I do feel the prices have gotten a little high, but what hasn't over the past couple years? Overall, I'd recommend going for some fresh made, quick serve food and I'd go again if we were in the area. I'd definitely prefer it over the full restaurants. read more