Joe Miller, 87, owner of Miller’s Chicken, a popular longtime restaurant on in Athens, died Monday, July 22, in his Sunnyside home surrounded by family.
To celebrate Miller’s life, the family-owned Miller’s Chicken will be closed on Friday and Saturday.
“Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support over the last couple of days. Your kindness and prayers mean the world to our family, work family and friends. Joe/Dad/Papa/Mr.Miller will be missed dearly by many and made a lasting impact in our hearts and community,” Miller’s Chicken posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
Miller’s obituary is published on page A2.
Miller’s Chicken is considered one of Athens’ premier institutions — a place where everyone has a favorite dish on the menu, be that maybe the fish sandwich, the deluxe 10-piece bucket of chicken, mac and cheese or perhaps the vegetable soup on a fall day — speedy service too.
“Miller’s is an Athens institution, one of those places that rank at or near the top of the list of places to go and things to experience when your relatives and friends come to Athens,” Athens Councilman Alan Swank said.
Anyone who has ever eaten at Miller’s Chicken has probably seen the framed photo in the dining room that tells the story of the restaurant’s past and how it came to be located for the past 55 years at 235 W. State Str., beside the Stewart-McDonald factory in the West Side neighborhood, close to the ballfields too. If not, then Miller’s story needs to be shared.
Miller’s Poultry began in the rear section of a barn and slaughterhouse owned by Otis Ray Miller, the father of Harold Miller, who started the poultry business. It was located in Canaansville, about six miles east of Athens.
At the time, there was no heat in the winter except for a 100-gallon kettle, once used by Canannsville Mines to clean miner’s clothes and equipment. This was used as a scalder for chicken. Hoping the weather was not too hot or cold, chickens were dipped by hand, one or two at a time.
“I remember one night at below zero temperatures when wet, hot feathers froze in piles on the floor as we plucked,” wrote Joe Miller, who took over ownership of the restaurant in 1972, in the story that is framed on the wall that is close to the big windows facing West State Street. “Mother — Gladys Miller — used another 100-gallon kettle to heat wash water and bath water, to render lard, and to make lye soap from trimmings from Dad — Otis Ray Miller’s — meat business.”
The second home of Miller’s Poultry, 1947-49, was the basement of a home on House Street in Athens, which has since been given way to the Ohio University South Green.
The third home was in the country, on Scatter Ridge north of Canaansville. Being too far from Athens for quick service and retail delivery, the family decided to move into town, where father-in-law Vern Kelly owned property on Factory Street. A new plant was built, 1949-51. The store remained on Factory Street until 1969 when it was purchased by Ohio University. The business was then moved to its present location on West State Street — beside the now Stew-Mac.
Just a note — hoping the young will believe and the others will remember — in 1949 chicken was 99 cents a pound. Poultry products are about the only thing in the world that went down when the price of everything went up.
“I believe chicken is one of the healthful and reasonably priced foods today,” Miller wrote. “Forty years after Miller’s Poultry began, chicken remains at the top of the menu with steak, even though priced the same as when Harold scalded Miller’s first chicken”
Miller’s undoubtedly serves the best fried chicken in Athens and certainly Ohio, maybe nationwide.
“Growing up in Akron, I thought our neighbors in Barberton had the best chicken restaurants in the world until we came to Athens in 1979 and I had my first Miller’s chicken breast, or should I say two,” Swank said. “ There was no going back.”
Swank continued, “Miller’s is a place you have to go to — no ordering from DoorDash or Uber Eats. Half of the fun of the experience was stepping to the counter and placing for many customers what was their 'usual order.' After chatting with folks waiting for their order or after browsing through the ANews, it was out the door with bag in hand — the best chicken around, potato chunks, and sometimes a side of potato or macaroni salad.”
Like many families in Athens, Miller’s Chicken is considered part and parcel of the Athens experience. Folks go to Miller’s after playing baseball or softball at the West State ballfields or perhaps treat their parents to good food and picnic when they come to town.
“For many years, our family made it a tradition each April to order Miller’s and then have a picnic under the blooming cherry trees along the Hocking River,” Swank said. “The kids then grandkids could show off their latest gymnastics moves while we savored a meal that never failed to please.”
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce President Kristin Miller (no relation) offered her condolences to Joe Miller’s family.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Miller. Miller’s Chicken is a gem in this community, thanks to Mr. Miller, his family, friends, and associates. On behalf of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, I offer my sincere condolences,” she said.
Many condolences were posted to Miller’s Chicken’s Facebook page including:
Carol Downing — Thank you, Mr. Miller — for being a good human being, and for your wonderful chicken. When I was in grad school, my cure for the stress and the worry and the exhaustion that accompany getting a Ph.D. was ALWAYS Miller’s Chicken. Joe Miller made life a little easier and a little better — I can’t think of a better legacy.
Rich Rarey — My deepest condolences. Miller’s delicious chicken sustained me and many friends during college in the mid ‘70s. The heavenly food was a luxury that is fondly remembered today, and I am grateful to Mr. Miller for making it possible.
Kenny Tessel — Heartfelt condolences on your loss, Millers has always been a must go to! Even after graduating from OU in 1980, I always make Millers my first stop when I come back to visit! Sending prayers to the family
Roger Mace — Great place to eat and the best chicken. This guy was so nice and excellent customer service.
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