Courtesy of Bruxie
Despite living in Atlanta for nearly 20 years, I don’t consider myself a Southerner. I appreciate a good biscuit, but in my (unpopular) opinion—chicken and waffles do not and will never go together. However, I recently visited a new chicken tender and waffle restaurant in Chamblee, and shockingly, really liked it.
Bruxie—a word that refers to someone from Brussels, home of the waffle—opened in Chamblee’s Parkview on Peachtree (5126 Peachtree Boulevard) building in mid-March, with the grand opening planned for April 6. The California-based counter service restaurant is described as a “waffle sandwich shop with a culinary focus,” according to its website. But unlike most fast-casual chain eateries, Bruxie features scratch-made fare. Its sauces are made inhouse daily, and all chicken is marinated for 24 hours before being battered and fried to order.
Courtesy of Bruxie
Courtesy of Bruxie
“Most fast-casual restaurants drive people toward pickup and delivery,” says Bruxie CEO Scott Grinstead. “We focus on creating a vibe where we love on our customers and make them feel like we’re inviting them into our home. In California, it’s common for Bruxie to be packed on Mother’s Day and Easter—times you wouldn’t expect for our type of restaurant.”
Grinstead was living in the Florida Panhandle in 2020 when he got the job at Bruxie. Last year, he launched the company’s first East Coast location in Athens, Georgia. (His daughter is a student at the University of Georgia.) Since he has multiple family members in Atlanta, it was a natural choice for expansion.
Courtesy of Bruxie
The Chamblee outpost features a large dining room and outdoor patio, along with free parking. Its menu is about the same as that at other locations, highlighting waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders, waffle fries, Belgian waffles, coffee drinks, and artisan Wisconsin custard milkshakes. My husband went big, ordering the Original sandwich (fried chicken dipped in chili-honey, topped with slaw, and served in a thin, folded waffle). It’s Southern comfort all right! My daughter can always be bought with chicken nuggets and fries, and these did not disappoint. I was most surprised with the buttermilk fried chicken salad. Unlike most salads at fried chicken restaurants, this one did not taste like an afterthought. Packed with avocado, egg, chives, and more, it hit the spot. My 7-year-old son wanted to try it all, so he ordered the Chicken & Waffles. The thick Belgian waffle was crispy, sweet, and dare I say addictive. However, he ate it separately from the chicken. Like mother like son, I guess!
Next time, I want to try a waffle sandwich in varieties like lemon cream and berries, crème brulee and strawberries, and nutella with banana or strawberries. A limited time strawberry shortbread waffle and s’mores waffle will be released soon. A thicker waffle with toppings like fresh whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and strawberries is also available. Custard shakes come in flavors like orange dreamsicle and cookies and cream, with mix-ins available such as cookie dough and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Courtesy of Bruxie
At the grand opening on Saturday, the first 200 people who sign up for Bruxie Rewards in store will receive complimentary Bruxie Bux for future visits. Samples of custard and other items will be shared.
Get ready, families: Additional Bruxie locations are in the works.
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Carly Cooper
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