WORCESTER—In Worcester’s Canal District, a culinary gem offers an authentic taste of Peru. Loly’s Chicken, often regarded for serving the best Peruvian chicken in the area, is not just a restaurant, but a story of passion for achieving culinary excellence.
Founded on the principles of homemade, never-frozen food, this family-owned business features a menu that regularly undergoes experimentation, explained Owner Jose Cervini.
“Fish ceviche and roasted chicken are our two most popular dishes,” said Cervini. “I’m always searching for the right seasonings, as Peruvian food requires precise spices and seasonings to ensure authentic flavor. I have to search vendors in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut just to find certain spices, as Massachusetts sometimes doesn’t have the spices that we need for our dishes.”
The path to success began in May of 2023 through an innovative partnership with the Worcester Food Hub, an initiative that supports local food entrepreneurs. After evaluating potential options, Jeff Mararian, the owner of 107 Tap, saw potential in Loly’s and offered to rent out his kitchen to them. This gesture provided Loly’s with the brick-and-mortar location it needed to transition from a promising startup to a thriving business in the Canal District. The restaurant’s ability to maintain the integrity of traditional recipes while infusing them with a modern twist has earned it a loyal following.
Mararian reflected on his decision with pride, stating, “The one restaurant that stuck out to me was Loly’s Chicken because they had great food and a strong following. We decided to try things out as sort of a monthly trial and things worked very well! They have been with us ever since.”
The partnership exemplifies the community spirit that thrives in Worcester, where businesses support each other in pursuit of mutual success, as Mararian alluded to.
“The most important part of our success so far has been concentrating on our authentic Peruvian menu and listening to our customers,” said Cervini. “I also really value having 107 Tap’s bar to complement our restaurant. Many customers enjoy being served wine or beer with our food.”
At Loly’s Chicken, the commitment to delivering an authentic Peruvian experience goes beyond the menu. The friendly service and attention to detail immerse customers in a positive dining experience. Cervini emphasized that the community is full of friendly and excited customers who love trying their Peruvian food.
Mararian emphasized that the dining scene in Worcester has anything people could possibly want. “Along with the variety, Worcester has lots of value,” he said. “You don’t have to drive to Boston or Providence anymore. We have anything that you want here. If you want to try different varieties or prices of food, or different styles, we’ve got it here.
“Running a kitchen is a whole business, same with running a bar. I have expertise in running a bar, whereas Loly’s focuses on quality food. We combine the best of both worlds, and we meet in the middle to talk every few days to think of potential specials to put on the menu… This allows us to allow customers to get the experience that they want.”
Cervini also said that he enjoys working with Mararian and his business and they achieve success together. “Jeff is a great guy and I have really enjoyed collaborating with him. I love that we can benefit from each other,” said Cervini.
By embracing the values of family, freshness, and authenticity, Loly’s has not only carved a niche for itself in Worcester’s competitive restaurant scene but has also become a strong example of what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation.
“We’re open to whoever wants to try authentic Peruvian food. We’re happy and love welcoming our customers to our restaurant,” said Cervini.
