Farr’s Famous Chicken
Farr’s Famous Chicken (43 Ashworth Ave., Hampton Beach, 926-2030, farrshamptonbeach.com) has been a beloved Seacoast staple for more than four decades. This summer, the iconic beachside eatery was brought back to life by new owners Jim Trainor and Bob Schaake of JB’s Properties, following the retirement of its longtime previous owners. While ownership of the restaurant has changed hands a few times over the years since the late 1970s, Farr’s original recipes — the very ones that built its “famous” reputation — have remained unchanged. Farr’s serves up buckets of juicy fried chicken, perfect for taking onto the beach, along with chicken plate dinners, sandwiches and classic sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, biscuits, cornbread, and golden-fried potato wedges affectionately called “JoJos.” Breakfast is also now served there daily from 7 to 10:30 a.m. — those options include their mouthwatering chicken and waffles, Bananas Foster French toast, Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos and more. The Scene recently caught up with Traci Schaake, wife of new co-owner Bob Schaake, to hear about their restaurant group’s journey reviving Farr’s and what you can look forward to when you visit this summer.
How long has Farr’s Famous Chicken been around?
Farr’s has been around for 40 years and started with Henry Farr. JB’s Properties purchased the business in November 2024 to be prepared for the 2025 season. … We brought our JB’s Key West vibe to the building and business.
What makes Farr’s Famous Chicken unique?
Farr’s is simple, [but] unique [with] great chicken and JoJos. It is the only place on the beach to get them. … We have also brought back barbecue ribs and they are so good, they fall off the bones.
What is your favorite thing on your own menu?
My favorite thing on our menu is the chicken and rib combo meal. It is a perfect blend of flavors, and you get the best of both featured menu items. … The chicken tenders are prepared fresh … [and are] bursting with flavor. We suggest the homemade Buffalo sauce, [which] has a little touch of sweetness.
What is something that everyone should try?
The chicken, of course. Everyone should try our chicken in any form that is their favorite — whether it is a breast, a leg, a thigh, a wing, a jumbo wing or our incredible tenders.
Name a celebrity you would like to see ordering from Farr’s Famous Chicken.
I would have loved Jimmy Buffett to have visited Farr’s. … I think he may have been able to come up with a fun song about us.
What’s one essential skill needed to successfully run a restaurant?
It is important to ensure a sense of community within the restaurant and the neighborhood. We want to create a welcoming atmosphere for both our guests and our staff. [Having] a happy staff makes for a happy restaurant.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
The bustle of the summer and the calmness of the winters.
— Matt Ingersoll
Featured Photo: Courtesy Photo.
