It’s been nearly a decade in the making, but Roscoe’s House of Chicken 'N Waffles just shared another update on its long-awaited San Diego location. The latest Instagram post from @RoscoesOfficial showed some construction photos with the caption: "Quick update on Roscoe’s San Diego. As promised, here are some progress pics. See you soon, SD!"
Back in 2016, we first broke the news that Roscoe's would be bringing its iconic chicken and waffles to Barrio Logan, at the corner of National Avenue and Sigsbee Street. However, the expansion was halted early on due to the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing that same year, following a $3.2 million payout to a former employee after a wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuit.
Fast forward to 2019, and Roscoe's was supposedly in the final stages of approval for construction, planning to demolish four existing buildings to build a brand-new, two-story restaurant. The City of San Diego gave its green light, but then the pandemic hit in 2020, stalling the project yet again.
By 2021, Roscoe’s finally broke ground, with an opening expected that summer. Then it was pushed to fall 2021. Then summer 2022. Then early 2023. Construction finally came to a standstill in late 2022, leading many to wonder if San Diego would ever see a Roscoe’s open its doors.
In spring 2024, there was hope again - Roscoe’s announced that construction had resumed, with plans to complete the project by the end of the year. Fast forward to October 1, 2024, and the latest update shows framing progress on the building, though it seems we're still far from chicken and waffles on our plates.
Fast forward to 2019, and Roscoe's was supposedly in the final stages of approval for construction, planning to demolish four existing buildings to build a brand-new, two-story restaurant. The City of San Diego gave its green light, but then the pandemic hit in 2020, stalling the project yet again.
By 2021, Roscoe’s finally broke ground, with an opening expected that summer. Then it was pushed to fall 2021. Then summer 2022. Then early 2023. Construction finally came to a standstill in late 2022, leading many to wonder if San Diego would ever see a Roscoe’s open its doors.
In spring 2024, there was hope again - Roscoe’s announced that construction had resumed, with plans to complete the project by the end of the year. Fast forward to October 1, 2024, and the latest update shows framing progress on the building, though it seems we're still far from chicken and waffles on our plates.
If (and when) it ever opens, the San Diego outpost will feature a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with a rooftop dining deck and its own parking. The menu will be similar to other locations, with soul food classics like fried chicken, waffles, grits, and gravy.
Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles made classic southern soul food popular in Los Angeles starting in 1975. Founded by Herb Hudson, a Harlem, NYC native, Roscoe's expanded to seven locations throughout Los Angeles and Southern California since its inception, although the Pasadena branch has been closed this past June.
Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles made classic southern soul food popular in Los Angeles starting in 1975. Founded by Herb Hudson, a Harlem, NYC native, Roscoe's expanded to seven locations throughout Los Angeles and Southern California since its inception, although the Pasadena branch has been closed this past June.
San Diego has been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles, but the numerous delays have turned the opening into something of a local running joke. While Roscoe’s continues to hint at a 2025 opening date, many in the community are left wondering if they will ever finally get their much-desired taste of this iconic Southern soul food.
Roscoe's House Of Chicken 'N Waffles is expected to open at some point in 2025, maybe, at 1678 National Avenue in San Diego's Barrio Logan. For more information, visit roscoeschickenandwaffles.com.
Originally published on October 2, 2024.