Although the grand opening date isn’t official yet, Marquette’s newest campus cafe, Gordo’s Bubble Waffles, is coming soon to 1633 W. Wells St., where the old Dogg Haus was located.
While the first Gordo’s Bubble Waffles location is a 10-minute drive off campus, at 2301 S. Howell Ave., co-owner Omar Daher said he wanted to bring a second Gordo’s to a local college campus.
“We are looking to be open within the next month or two,” Daher said. “Being a previous college graduate, we know how it is with availability on campus and being able to have access to something quick on the go — especially since not everyone has a vehicle or the means to go out of campus for food and quickly go to class.”
Gordo’s specialty is a bubble waffle, which is about the same size as a belgium waffle. That is then folded up into a cone with a scoop of ice cream and toppings on the inside. But Daher said they plan to expand their menu to enhance their cafe style dessert shop, to become an all–around cafe.
“At this point we have 12 different flavors of bubble waffles; however, we want to introduce a more breakfast–type of waffle for students who maybe don’t want to get ice cream, or a sweet dessert,” Daher said. “We also plan on having a full-fledged coffee menu, with our specialty drinks that include bisque coffee espresso shots and lattes, frappuccinos and our own cold brew. We will also have mini-pancakes and shakes, that both come in various flavors.”
Daher said the process of working with Marquette University has been very smooth and easy.
“We are currently leasing from the university. As soon as the spot on campus popped up in our search, we decided to go for it,” Daher said. “We, once again, knew we wanted to be on campus and are very excited to serve the Marquette students.”
Despite their other location opening at 2:00 p.m., Daher said they want to adjust their hours to better suit the needs of the students.
“We will definitely be open during prime time and later into the evening. Our goal is to open at noon and close at around 11:30 p.m. or midnight,” Daher said.
Some students have been waiting for more food and restaurant opportunities to be available on campus. Libby Bako, a senior in the College of Health Sciences, said she is looking forward to having an ice cream shop on campus, but she wishes campus had other restaurants similar to Qdoba, especially since Sobelman’s closed down last May.
“I do think that there is room for growth and other food opportunities on campus. I understand that with the opening of the most recent restaurant opens up opportunities for people with food restrictions, but there still are many other places that I believe students would love to see on campus,” Bako said. “Despite that, I think it will be good to have something on campus with sweet treats, and that the university has been in need of a dessert restaurant.”
Brooke Mangarelli, a sophomore in the College of Business Administration, said she is excited to have another option around on campus.
“I have heard great things about the other Gordo’s location, so I am super excited to try this one out,” Mangarelli said. “It is important students have various options to eat on campus, especially for in-between classes when you just need something quick.”
While not yet finalized, Daher said he plans on having a promotion for the first guests who come to Gordo’s. To stay up to date on the grand-opening, and potential promotions, check their website and Instagram.
This story was written by Sophie Goldstein. She can be reached at [email protected].
