Revolving Rotisserie Around A New Way of Life

Cincinnati’s food scene has always been on the rise. It seemed there for awhile, there was something new opening every month. This was certainly music to our ears, especially with our love for food and being foodies. In recent months COVID-19 has taken over and has put a slight delay to restaurants opening. However, there is one restaurant that is not letting COVID rain on their parade. Revolution Rotisserie is open for business, doing well, and thriving in spite of the pandemic. When we heard Nick Pesola, owner of Revolution Rotisserie, was continuing to sell his well-known Rotisserie Chicken not letting COVID bring him down, we had to support! We sat down with Nick to talk all things Rotisserie Chicken and more.

You may wonder where the concept of rotisserie chicken came from and why. Well, wonder no more! In the summer of 2014, at the age of 25, Nick, opened a gourmet rotisserie chicken tent at Findlay Market. This was Nick’s Dream and he was determined to prove he and his rotisserie chicken were here to stay. That summer he sold so many of his signature “Chitas” and rotisserie chickens. He could not keep the rotisserie stocked fast enough with his delicious chickens. After so much positive feedback, Nick knew it was time to expand his concept and open a brick-and-mortar location in Cincinnati. It was at his OTR location that Nick added full-service hospitality and a bar program for Revolution to become a “Rotisserie & Bar.” This location did well enough that he opened a 2^nd location in Pleasant Ridge. Nick has always been self-motivated and driven. His mission for Revolution Rotisserie is to make a positive impact on the world around him. Revolution initially came from the chicken rotisserie revolving. Over the years, the meaning of “Revolution” has evolved and become so much more. On their menu, they pay homage to revolutionaries who changed the world. Even their walls are decorated with hip, revolutionary-inspired artwork you will not find anywhere else but within their restaurants.

Both locations serve amazing food, but Rotisserie Chicken is always the focal point. Nick loved the concept of rotisserie chicken because it was different. It also has many applications (i.e. sandwiches, salad, by itself, and more). We can vouch that his chicken is DEEEELIICIOUS! Tender and full of flavor, and served with some amazing sauces. At Revolution Rotisserie, they brine, rub and then cook their chicken on an actual revolving rotisserie. Yes, you are getting the real deal! They support local Ohio businesses and source their chicken from Ohio Amish farms. We sat down with Nick at his Pleasant Ridge location. There is enough space for everyone to safely eat 6 ft. apart during this pandemic. They also have a nice outdoor patio with the cutest little picnic tables and umbrellas.

Their menu is diverse and has an option for everyone while still allowing rotisserie chicken to be the forefront. Anyone can add rotisserie chicken as a menu item, but what about alternative options? Their chicken is the bomb, but Nick wanted to meet the tasting needs of everyone. Nick and his GM, Scott, collaborate on different food items to be placed on the menu. Menu planning always sparks a fire for Nick. Making food this good is a labor of love! In addition to rotisserie chicken, you can order Fancy Fries, Joan of Arc, Gracie’s Coney, Nelson Mandela Chita, Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tater Tots, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and many more items. The Joan of Arc is their most popular seasonal salad and their Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich is the most popular sandwich. The Joan of Arc is full of berries and is light. It adds the perfect pop to summer. The fried chicken sandwich is so good and comes with the Fiery Lightning Sauce. This will be sure to add a punch to your taste buds. Would you believe this sandwich just started as something to offer during the Western Southern Open? It did so well during the tennis tournament, that it became a regular menu staple. Also, Gracie’s Coney is named after the neighbor’s dog who Nick drilled holes into the neighbor’s building to hang patio lights. Man, that is one lucky dog! This hotdog is something serious. This hot dog is an all-beef hot dog, loaded with Vegetarian Chili, Cheddar Cheese and topped with Mustard & Red Onion. Served on a local Poppy Seed Bun. This dog might make you want to slap your mama. However, we would not advise that. HAHA! If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you. Revolution Rotisserie serves some amazing desserts. I had their Blueberry Pie with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream from Milkman Ice Cream and Donuts. This was the best Blueberry Pie I have ever had. The other Tiff had one scoop each of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Sorbet on a cone. Speaking of Milkman, check out Nick’s new concept Milkman Ice Cream & Donuts. My oh my, was that ice cream perfect on a hot summer day and we heard the donuts sell out in 40 minutes of being released. You better hurry if you do not want to miss out!

They also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2 pm. They have a brunch menu, but the regular dining menu is offered as well. Some of the brunch items are Chicken and Waffles and Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Biscuit. They also have drink specials like $5 mimosas.

We can say Nick truly believes in warm hospitality, serving great food and drinks, and bringing people together for a good time even if it means wearing a mask and staying 6 ft apart. He is very big on impacting the world and being the change he wants to see. He finds a cause and dream that he believes in and sees it to the finish line. So come hungry, bring some friends (not to many, remember social distancing, LOL), grab a drink or two and have an unforgettable time and meal at a revolutionary place.