#USA #Cleveland #Chef Vinnie Cimino #Delia's Chicken #Cordelia

Delia's Brings a Fresh Flavor to Rocket Arena

The 2026-27 NBA season kicks off at Rocket Arena with exciting new experiences for fans, one of which is the opening of Delia's, a fried chicken and JoJo concept inspired by the popular Cordelia restaurant. Located on the Street Level concourse near Portal 26, Delia's is set to elevate the culinary offerings available to Cavaliers fans.

Delia’s has been created by Chef Vinnie Cimino, a three-time James Beard Award nominee, and owner Andrew Watts. Their goal is to capture the essence of the beloved Cordelia restaurant and transform it into a streamlined, high-volume dining option that meets the fast-paced environment of game days. Chef Cimino emphasizes that despite the speed-focused approach, every dish maintains the quality and care that Cordelia is known for.

Menu Highlights

Delia's won’t overwhelm visitors with an extensive menu; instead, it zeroes in on a few standout items that promise to satisfy. At the heart of the offerings are crispy fried and grilled chicken, Handys sandwiches, JoJo fries—a local favorite—and an array of new house-made sauces that take standard stadium food to the next level.

“Delia’s is Cordelia made faster and more casual but with the same heart,” said Chef Cimino. “We wanted to create food that is not only easy to hold while cheering on the Cavaliers but also genuinely reflects our commitment to quality.”

The menu features options such as:

• - Buckets of chicken: Diners can choose from drumsticks or boneless thighs in either two or three-piece orders, complemented by pickles, hot sauce mayo, and JoJo fries.
• - Handys sandwiches: Options here include a Fried Chicken sandwich seasoned with Chef Cimino's special Magic Dust, a miso-marinated Grilled Chicken sandwich, and the Midwest Polish Boy, celebrating a local classic.
• - Signature sides: Patrons can enjoy malt vinegar-rinsed JoJo fries, pimento potato salad, and coleslaw, all accompanied by unique sauces like black garlic mayo and Cleveland ketchup.

A Neighborhood Feel in a Stadium Space

The design of Delia’s reflects its goal to create a comfortable, neighborhood eatery vibe, which contrasts with the often transactional nature of stadium concession food. Andrew Watts explains that they aimed to establish Delia's as a genuine local chicken joint right inside the arena, encouraging fans to feel a sense of community while they snack before or after the game.

“The concession experience is typically very business-oriented,” he notes. “We saw an opportunity to turn that into something warmer, making it feel more like a neighborhood spot.”

The Legacy of Cordelia

The Cordelia restaurant has a rich backstory—named after Andrew Watts' great-grandmother, it encapsulates a spirit of Midwestern hospitality combined with outstanding culinary craftsmanship. Since its inception in 2022 on Cleveland's East 4th Street, it quickly became a neighborhood staple, celebrated for its unpretentious atmosphere and heartfelt service. Delia's continues this tradition, inviting fans to enjoy delicious meals amid a bustling arena ambiance.

Enhancing the Game Day Experience

According to Chris Kaiser, the Chief Marketing Officer for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, having Delia’s as part of the gameday experience solidifies their commitment to local brands and aims to provide an unmatched atmosphere for fans.

“We are thrilled to bring Delia’s into Rocket Arena,” said Kaiser. “It not only reflects our dedication to great Cleveland brands but also enhances the overall experience for our fans.”

Delia’s is open during Cleveland Cavaliers home games and select events at Rocket Arena, promising exciting culinary delights for sports fans and food lovers alike. For the latest updates on what Delia's has to offer, visitors can follow @deliaschicken on Instagram.

With the start of the season just around the corner, fans now have a reason to keep an eye on the scoreboard and their plates at Rocket Arena.

About the Team Behind Delia's

Chef Vinnie Cimino's previous accolades include being recognized by Food & Wine as a Best New Chef, and his restaurant ROSY was named one of The New York Times' best. The opening of Delia’s signifies another chapter in his commitment to delivering restaurant-quality food within a fast casual setting.

Delia's location: Street Level concourse, Rocket Arena, near Portal 26.

For more information: visit www.cordeliacle.com.