Brother Bruno’s Pizza, Deli and Bagels has officially opened a new franchise on the William Paterson University campus, bringing the longtime Wayne staple into the Student Center.

The restaurant, which has served the Wayne community since 1976, opened Jan. 22 in the back of the Pioneer Food Court. The campus location is owned by Piero Mazzella and marks an unexpected addition to the business’ ongoing expansion.

“It wasn’t my idea at first — the school actually approached me,” Mazzella said. “The first day was such an amazing feeling.”

Mazzella said the opening was especially emotional, citing the response from students who were already familiar with the brand.

“All the students were excited to see me, the pizza and Brother Bruno’s here,” he said. “It was a great feeling. It was very special for us.”

Brother Bruno’s has been a fixture in the Wayne community for nearly 50 years. Mazzella has spent the past eight years expanding the business, including the addition of food trucks in Toms River, New Jersey, and Delaware.

The William Paterson location is the first Brother Bruno’s franchise to open inside a college student center, bringing the popular local restaurant directly to campus for students, faculty and staff.