PJ’s Wings and Things And York Cider Partner On A New Patio
FREDERICTON — About two months ago, Steven Carter and Peter Jones of PJ’s Wings and Things and Edward Teale of York County Cider got together to start planning on what they could do together.
The result was a combined deck for Frederictonians to enjoy cider and wings.
“We needed more seating, especially in the summer, so we needed to add the deck on,” said Teale.
After a few trips to city hall, they enlisted the help of a local carpenter. The team also did some of the work themselves so they would be open for the Victoria Day weekend.
“The patio’s been open about a week and it’s been full every night,” said Jones.
They bought cedar tables and benches from Devon Lumber to fill the new space. The patio now seats 60 with Covid restrictions. Before you had to exit one patio to get to the other but now you can walk in between the two freely.
This is the latest move in a history of collaboration between the two businesses.
Jones started PJ’s Wings and Things as a food truck at the Northside market. When the market closed last April because of Covid, Teale invited them to set up shop in his parking lot.
“We actually had a kitchen at the time and been buying our wings from PJ’s to cook at our place,” said Teale.
After a few months, Teale asked if they had ever thought about a permanent location. Jones had been just thinking about approaching him. They turned a warehouse into PJ’s new location, which opened last October.
“Their biggest problem now is either running out of chicken on busy nights or fish on Fridays,” said Teale.
Since then, PJ’s has had to increase staff.
“When we started it was just me,” said Jones. “Now between Steven and I, we have seven employees.”
Both York and PJ’s are happy with their partnership.
“It’s helped both of us,” said Jones. “His sales numbers have gone up and so have ours.”
Jones said that sales have tripled since this time last year. He said that even in the winter business didn’t slow down.
“One of the main things that I’ve noticed in the last year is that people have really stepped up and supported local businesses,” said Jones.
This summer the spot will host live shows from local artists, which Teale is thinking about having out on the deck. Last week Teale and Jones also started putting together a patio menu of finger foods to enjoy while sipping a cider.
“It’s all going to be about outside dining,” said Jones.
Rachel Smith is a summer intern for Huddle. Send her story suggestions: [email protected].