Bruxie, a chain chicken and waffles restaurant, soft-opened in the USC Village on Wednesday morning. About 15 students waited outside the new spot, said Jacob Stone, the director of operations for Bruxie, and the line became as long as 30 students as the day went on.
“It was really exciting to see how much people really embraced us opening our doors today,” said Stone, who wanted Bruxie to be a part of the USC village for many years. “It’s almost a little bit of a dream come true.”
Founded in 2010, Bruxie offers various items on its menu, ranging from various styles of chicken sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. Located right next to Il Giardino, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Nash Rahman, a sophomore BFA acting student, described how she had waited by the door “every single day” anticipating Bruxie’s opening.
“I’m really excited about it,” Rahman said, as she sat outside with her group of friends. “I live in the Village, and I think it’s bringing a lot of people together.”
Some students said they were impressed by the restaurant’s attentive staff and good service.
“There was someone who helped us with the menu when we came in, which was really nice,” Meghan Chen, a junior studying popular music, said.
Students said Bruxie employees ensured all customers had a menu and got assistance as needed.
“The employees there are very friendly, so I felt welcomed into the environment,” Rahman said. “It’s really good, I mean the waffles are fire.”
Some students, however, called some menu items “overpriced.”
“I paid around $14 which I think might be a bit overpriced,” said Ashton Mahadeo, a junior majoring in human biology. “But also for the quality food. I think it’s worth it.”
Shakes are priced up to $10 and entree items range up to $15.
“It’s definitely on par for the restaurants in the Village,” Chen said. “I’d say it’s a little higher than I would like it to be, but it’s not anything more than what’s around.”
Knowing the items in the Village are more on the expensive side, students said they hope for cheaper places to open up soon.
Waniya Hasan, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering, also found the menu items expensive.
“The quantity for the milkshake was too little for almost $8,” she said, holding her cookies & cream milkshake cup in hand.
Despite the higher cost, some students admitted that they would return to the restaurant often.
“I’ll be back here soon, and I’m really excited to try all the other things because the menu looks like it has a lot of good options,” Mahadeo said.
Hasan, who wasn’t too satisfied with her order, said she wouldn’t recommend the place to others, with the exception of those who enjoy fried chicken.
“If somebody really likes fried chicken, this is the place to go in the Village,” Hasan said.
Overall, despite the higher pricing, Hasan predicts the craving for chicken and waffles will bring back regular customers.
Bruxie is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.