Updated as of Oct. 11 at 9:44 p.m. to include video.
Billy D’s Fried Chicken has officially opened in Elon University’s McEwen Food Hall Oct. 10.
The new retail location was originally set to open at the beginning of fall semester, but was delayed due to issues with the general contractor, according to head chef and owner William Dissen. The location soft launched Oct. 5 and will be open until 10 p.m. today.
To celebrate the grand opening, there is a prize wheel where guests can win merchandise, coupons and stickers.
Freshman Kayla Berkoff tried Billy D’s for the first time on Wednesday Oct. 5. She said she enjoyed it so much that she came back for its full opening. She said having a local business on campus is better than having a chain restaurant.
“It’s really good because not a lot of people know about it,” Berkoff said. “Now, I can recommend it if it does become a bigger thing.”
Students order and eat at Billy D’s early in the afternoon on Oct. 10, 2022, in the upstairs of McEwen Food Hall.
However, not all students have the same excitement about the new retail option. Junior Pierson Blount said the menu items are overpriced.
“Chicken prices have gone up in the past year, sure, but that’s just price gouging if I’ll be honest,” Blount said. “It’s really only worth it if you’ve got plus seven.”
Blount said he opted not to get Billy D’s today when he saw the line and the prices displayed. He worked at Bojangles and said Billy D’s is on average $2 to $3 more for the same item.
At Billy D’s, a fried chicken sandwich on its own costs $8.50. A meal exchange swipe includes any entree item with a choice of a side and drink.
Freshman Aniah Keys said she’s glad to have a new option of where to eat. She said it’s beneficial to have an additional retail option on campus.
“Having things here forces me not to go off-campus and spend my money, so I’m happy we have something else,” Keys said.