Blazin J's, the hot-chicken shop that opened inside Campus Town near the end of 2023, has quietly gone dark in Ewing, leaving behind an empty retail unit where students once lined up for late-night sandwiches. People passing by have reported seeing tables and chairs hauled out, with no public notice hinting at a return. The closure appears to have taken place this week.
Storefront Stripped, Website Points Only to Lancaster
According to 94.5 PST, a visit to Campus Town this week found the restaurant's interior cleared of both seating and equipment. The chain's official website now lists only its East King Street location in Lancaster, Pa., and promotes a food truck that can be booked for events, suggesting the Ewing shop is not coming back. Blazin J's first opened at Campus Town near the end of 2023 and was a common late-night stop for students.
Health Inspections Had Raised Red Flags
The shutdown follows a series of inspection problems documented by TCNJ's student newspaper, The Signal, which reported that Blazin' J's amassed at least 18 health-code violations over recent years. That reporting notes a February inspection that flagged multiple filthy surfaces, a disorganized dishwasher and at least one employee failing to wash hands after handling raw chicken. Co-owner Gary Danehower told The Signal the restaurant has been working to correct deficiencies and implemented food-handler certification this February, saying, "We pride ourselves on food safety, so we're continuing to improve."
Campus Town Menu Still Has Plenty On Offer
Campus Town's retail directory shows a mix of chain and local spots - from Panera and Jersey Mike's to Bella Ciao Pizzeria and Insomnia Cookies - that remain open to students and the public, according to the development's website. Campus Town notes that the shoppes serve both TCNJ's community and nearby residents. As of publication, there was no public notice on the complex's site about a replacement tenant for the shuttered space.
Where To Find Blazin J's Now
Blazin J's is still promoting its Lancaster storefront and traveling food truck on its website, which includes contact information for event bookings. Blazin J's had not posted a public statement about the Ewing closure as of publication. This story will be updated if the restaurant or Campus Town management issues an official statement.
