Dina L.
Yelp
We had read about RISE, a North Carolina chain that had recently spread to the west coast, but we forgot about it until we were driving through the Conejo Valley Plaza after finishing a great workout in the Thousand Oaks area. As we were driving, it was a giant poster of cinnamon rolls that first caught our eye. While we didn't try what ended up being Cinnamon Roll Donuts, we were in fact blown away by their "Righteous Chicken and Southern Biscuits!!"
When we walked inside, we loved seeing how bright and open the space is. The front of the store has sleek counters and a modern-looking kiosk where customers can easily place orders. The other side of the store has a locker system for pickup orders.
Bill, the owner, came up to us and introduced himself. He was super friendly and helpful, and he immediately gave us his top recommendations along with some interesting combinations to try! He told us that the blueberry biscuits, chicken boxes (chicken strips, fries, and a biscuit), and cheesy tots are some of their best sellers. His personal favorite? A Chicken with Blueberry Biscuit & A fried egg on top! Definitely speaking our language, Bill.
We decided to try a chicken biscuit, one plain and the other smothered in a tasty Nashville hot sauce (It gave "an elevated Tajin sauce"). We HAD to add a blueberry biscuit, since we were told that they were not just popular, but life-changing.
The chicken was juicy, and the regular biscuit was flaky, warm, and buttery. The blueberry biscuit was somethin' else. It was filled with fresh, plump blueberries and finished with a light glaze that made the biscuit literally melt in our mouths. Almost like a donut. We were hooked from the first bite.
We have since been back several times and have tried the chicken boxes and cheesy tots. The chicken is always piping hot and the breading is light, so you can really enjoy the juiciness of the chicken. The tots are crispy, perfectly cheesy, and pleasantly different from any other tots we've had.
We are so happy that RISE has opened its doors, because we now have a new favorite spot for breakfast and lunch in Thousand Oaks! You gotta try this place!