A little story pertaining to the friendliness aspect. I was driving from TX to FL without a huge budget so I didn't really have money for a hotel. I had planned on staying at a rest stop but stopped at Waffle House for a quick bite before I went to bed. On my way out I asked how far away the nearest rest stop was and the server told me it was kind of far away. I was incredibly tired at that point and kind of worried about falling asleep at the wheel so I asked if I could take a quick nap in my car on the opposite side of the parking lot. Her response, "Of course hon, take as long as you need. I'll let the next shift know if you're still sleeping by the time 8 rolls around." Well I ended up waking up around 9:30ish and decided to go in for breakfast to thank them for the hospitality. As soon as I walked in the door the next shift asked, "Hey you're up! Did you sleep well?"
@@draculastraphouse7863 😂😂"didn't stop in a ghetto area" Yeah at least he was safe where he was I don't like crime or violence I have it where I live to.
I've done that a few time heading to conventions accidentally drove down a hill instead of the correct entrance and when my girlfriend went in and asked if we could stop for a bit they were happy to let us :) even made a doggy bag of some biscuits for if I woke up before breakfast :)
Fun fact, the FEMA unofficially uses a metric called the Waffle House Index to inform disaster responses because Waffle House is well known for preparing for disasters. If the Waffle House is closed, it's a pretty serious disaster.
Here's my Waffle House story: Last September, I was driving from northern Indiana to southern Alabama. My wife had just ended things with me, and my family in the Mobile area told me to come down for a visit. I was already a day behind because I'd blown a tire in Kentucky and nobody had the right size in stock, but I thought the worst was behind me. As I got into the outskirts of Nashville (almost exactly the halfway point on my route), I started losing transmission fluid fast - it was puking it out as fast as I could pour it in, and I was billowing smoke as it hit the exhaust. As the transmission went, the engine had to rev higher and higher to get it to shift at all. I got off the Interstate as fast as I could and limped my smoking, overheating truck into a Waffle House parking lot. It was a nasty neighborhood - lots of broken glass and barred windows, and I had to wave off a hooker as I went in. But the Waffle House was an oasis. I went in, sat down, and started trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do. The server must have overheard me on the phone, because after a few minutes she sat down at the booth and asked if I needed any help. I sourly joked that my wife had just left me and my truck had broken down, so I was a dead dog away from being in a country song. She smiled and said "well, hon, you're in Nashville, so at least it happened in the right place." Then she started brainstorming with me, recommending garages and motels in the area. I finally figured it out - I'd Uber to a motel for the night, rent a U-Haul in the morning, and trailer it home. The manager told me he'd warn the night crew that the little blue truck in the parking lot was there with his permission, comped my meal, and told me it'd be okay. I thanked him and tipped them what the meal would've cost. When I came back in the morning, the truck was completely untouched - not even the lockless bed box had been gotten into. And when he saw me pull up, the same manager came out and helped me load up. I managed to get home without any further incident, fortunately, and the problem with the truck turned out to be just a worn-out seal - I'd managed to get it off the road before any serious damage was done. My garage got me back in action for something like $125. I've always loved Waffle House, but after the sheer kindness they showed me that day, I'll be a faithful customer for life.
It's almost comical to hear how many similar-ish stories exist about Waffle House. It always seems to be that diner that pops up in the darkest part of the tale where the story takes a turn. I mean, just reading your story sounds like an epic drama for the silver screen. You're struggling through the journey, it's pouring down rain, the car is falling apart and you got nothing left. Ya find the diner, fill your belly, enjoy some conversation and find the strength to finish your trek. Glad to hear things improved for your unfortunate journey. Definitely enjoyed reading it and loved the way you wrote it. One of the best comments I've ever seen on RUclips.
First time I ever got drunk in my life, might've been 16, I felt awful and someone said we should get some food but everywhere was closed. We had one sober friend and she drove us all to Waffle House. The staff was so patient with some drunk kids. We aren't rowdy but were a bit slow. Our waitress took care of us like a mother hen. Got us so coffee and food. Helped us recover enough to face our parents. I will never forget her. She was like an angel to drunk teenage me
This video fails to mention that, as long as you aren't the one picking the fight, you're probably fairly safe within a Waffle House as, inexplicably, every Waffle House is staffed by the most capable, 3:00 am on a Tuesday, no sleep but still kicking fighters able to throw hands in the business. Never under any circumstances start a fight in a Waffle House. They will lay you out, and they will throw you out....and then they will get right back to making waffles like nothing ever happened.
And if there is a massive fight in there, everything is steel and hard plastic and bolted down so it's pretty difficult to go in there and trash the place. Blood washes easily off of hard, solid surfaces, just saying
I remember during my highschool graduation our class valedictorian personally thanked our town's Waffle House staff for being there for us during late night meetups and study sessions during his speech. Waffle House really is a cultural staple of Georgia.
Back around 2015 I was eating lunch at a Waffle House in Alabama. The CEO of WH came in dressed just like all the other employees and went straight to work tidying up and helping to serve. Very impressive!
That was possibly Joe Rogers Jr. that was how he operated. Most times he would come in and go strait to washing dishes. I know because I once worked WH at a location in metro Atlanta up until about 2016.
I saw Joe Jr. come into a Waffle House in Roswell, GA. about 10 years ago. He put on a little paper cap and went straight to work. The staff members are all trained the same so that if someone calls in sick they can get someone in there who has never been in that store and they can go to work with on extra training.
I've been a manager for Waffle House going on six years now. We actually have stock, but it's privatized and only held by employees and managers. We get yearly updates, and fun fact, our stock has never gone down with the exception of 2020 when we shut down some stores due to covid.
Why did they do away with the menu they used to have ? I really liked the food, now the new menu is just to bland for my taste. I really miss the old menu.
Y'all are a good investment. All the Waffle House folks really hustle, the most efficient restaurant workers I've ever seen. Productivity = pay. You have skin in the game.
I have lived in Atlanta my whole life, and its truly a part of the culture here. After one a night at the bar, a concert, braves game, you name it, the night always ends at waffle house. Its absolutely poppin at 2 am and usually on a wait. Christmas is also one of the busiest days of the year for them since they are the only place open, and its tradition for a lot of families to go to waffle house after they open presents. Its a true gem that I have soooo many memories in.
Surprised to see no mention of the hashbrowns, which are almost as iconic as the waffles. Scattered, smothered, and covered is a thing in the South. Also I've been to the downtown Waffle House you showed, and it's especially fun seeing the tourists who are clearly in their first WaHo.
What I like about Waffle House: 1. Every Waffle House is small and cozy. 2. Every location is effectively the same building 3. The kitchen is directly in the store. 4. The food is extremely consistent. Great place.
And the staff are real people who can understand and appreciate their customer. Most of the time, I'd say their customers can easily appreciate the staff because they're our only hope for a good meal at the time or place.
What I like about Waffle House is pretty much the free entertainment, I always eat there late night when I was in the US and sometimes there are fights outside or inside. Those free entertainment makes eating so there so much better....
If you’ve never been to Waffle House at 1 o’clock in the morning with your closest friends, eating the good food and talking about nothing in particular, you aren’t living your best life.
Very true. Haven't done that since I had kids but me and my wife actually reminisce about when we would just go to waffle house late at night on a whim. Good times
So, I'm a black man living in Richmond, VA. For most of my life, I lived in an area of town where there were literally 2 waffle houses within a two block radius of each other and both of them were ALWAYS busy. That's how successful they are. This was in a predominantly black area so no racism issues here. I really think that's going to be area specific and not necessary on Waffle House corporate but the people running individual franchises (especially in deep south). We never had that issue. In fact Waffle House is pretty well known for being one of the few places that doesn't discriminate in hiring, especially for ex-convicts, basically hiring people who would otherwise not be able to get a job anywhere. It was also always known as one of the safest places to be any time of night. I know of at least two instances where women went into a waffle house because she felt unsafe (some drunk guy harrasing them) and the employees made sure that she was taken car of.
I’m very glad to hear you haven’t been subject to any racism. Also I agree, I think it doesn’t stem from corporate and dwindle down its very likely to be specific franchisees that are just pieces of shits and it just so happened to be publicized
Olandir. Very nicely said. I've never had the chance to eat at a Waffle House. Your comments makes me want to try a little harder to get to one. Have a good day.
I was visiting southern United States as a European tourist didn't know what grits were the chef gave me a bowl to taste. The food at waffle house is not great but I will always remember the southern hospitality and a unique Americana experience
I first ate at a Waffle House this past summer on a trip to Florida. Fell in love with those places. Super reasonably priced food, a minimum menu selection, and at least for me, fast friendly service. So there's three reasons for their success.
1. A young man I used to work with said derisively that "everyone has a Waffle House story". It's true for me. 2. Anthony Bourdain famously said you could go there in any state of inebriation and get good food. He went to say in the same video that Waffle House was better than a high end french restaurant because it knew who they were.
The state of inebriation is why it's actually kinda scary to go there late at night... LOL. They also tend to be located in ghetto-ish areas. There is actually one across the street from my apt complex. My apt is in the more gentrified area, but the hood is just down the street, not far from the Waffle House. Company Man I also wonder if he's a fat fuck. He NEVER mentions the nutritional impact in his restaurant videos. He talked up Arizona teas hardcore, and when I looked at what is actually in those teas, it's like drinking sugar. Waffle House is known for literally soaking all of their food in butter. I'd rather just make breakfast at home. Makes total sense though why they're a Southern thing. Southerners love their fatty soul foods.
I used to work at a Waffle House and I wanted to point out the ambivalence to local culture. For example, I was 16-17 working the 3rd shift (9pm-6am) and when the club crowds came in at 230 on Two Dollar Tuesdays, Thirst Thursdays, Fridays, and Ssturdays we didn't gatekeep or shame the style if dress or antics. Come in! Spend your money! Tell me about how your night went! We also had regulars that we knew their orders and how they liked their food cooked. I remember Mr Joe who wanted his scrambled eggs well done (with a little brown on it), black coffee, and unbuttoned toast. Pip who wanted 3 eggs scrambles with cheese and a FULL glass of orange juice. And Mr Evans who wanted a RARE Ribeye. I talking 30 seconds, flip it, 40 seconds, serve it. He gave me 100 dollars and a card for my high school graduation present. I miss Waffle House some days
You sound like the kind of WH server that would've received a big tip from me. Good servers are the reason I go back to a restaurant, plus the good food.
Who ever you are, thanks, I can tell you were very conscientious about your job then and I know your character and work ethic will bless you wherever you want to go in life.
I'd list consistency and environment as my top two. I know it's hard to screw up breakfast, but you're bound to get the same plate of food, same quality and consistency, whether you are in Southern Indiana or South Florida. I know, I've lived both places. You nailed it on the environment, plus there's some sense of nostalgia with the diner-type atmosphere. It's an absolute must on road trips!!!
Me and an Ex used to hit it every Saturday night, usually after the Barn Dance. By the time I got to my seat, they had a handful of Captain wafers and a bowl of shredded Cheddar in hand. The cook already had my Pecan Waffle mixing, my eggs and Country ham out. He always gave me the best slice. Just a note, if you go every week, tip the cook too. It pays you big in dividend. An extra egg, more pecans in the waffle, just for a couple bucks. His wife got a good tip too. Usually a $10, so she took care of our tables. I made sure everyone gave her $2-3, so she did good. They probably made $2 an hour and he got $10. $10 would buy 10 gallons of gas then. I remember his wife coming up to me in the Walmart and letting me know he passed. It had been closed down 10 years by then, but she remembered how much I liked him. I considered him a friend. She was often my waitress too. They worked it together till it closed. The ground was giving way to an underground stream. Takes the Ground falling to shut one down. And, the government shut down most nightclubs thru roadblocks, so business in our small town was small. I miss it. I can drive 15 miles to another, but, it's always best at 3am, and I'm old n tired now.
The part that always impressed me was that they never tooted their horn or pretended to be anything more than what they were. No catchy signs in every window, no advertising on TV, radio, or even in print except for once I saw they had two squares in a church bulletin when I was trying to find my way. There were never any limited menus, seasonal specials or other stuff. Just a simple two sided menu with extremely reasonable prices. Plus they have bacon!!
there is actually a "secret" menu. I just started working at wafflehouse about 2 weeks ago and theres more than whats on that 2 sided menu. mostly lots of sandwich options and omelets aside from what already exists. I believe blueberry waffles used to be seasonal but they are now all year.
@@alexlawson4173 There is no waffle house secret menu. It's just the menu that you get when you sit down now is not the full menu. It's a subset of the menu. A few years ago they 'cleaned up' the printed menu to make it simpler. But the full menu is still online. Recently I had a conversation with a relatively new waitress who didn't know that what I was ordering was actually food that was on the menu till one of her coworkers informed her of it.
@@Sindalis1 yeah that's what I meant by "secret" it's not really a secret but I find a lot of people don't know about it. Just that there's more than what's on the main menu that a lot of people don't know about.
I've been a waffle house server for twelve years and I LOVE IT! One notable thing you didn't mention was The Waffle House Index. This is to basically judge how bad things are during a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. If the Waffle House is unable to function at all the area is flagged as RED. If they are able to get power to the store and the building is intact it will be open, mainly to feed rescue workers and people who stayed in the area without access to food or water. There is also what is called "The Waffle House Jump Team". This is a select group of individuals who can actually be parachuted in to help run the store in the sidaster area if the employees at that store are unable to get to work. Really an amazing company! I know one woman in particular who has worked as a server for 45 years AT THE SAME WAFFLE HOUSE! Many, many people who work at a Waffle House have 10, 20, 30 years in! 🥰
Also, the District, Area, and Regional Managers are store managers themselves. They also rotate around the stores under them to make sure everything is going well. At the store I frequented a lot, I saw the DM once a month, the AM every other month or so, and the RM more than a few times over the course of a year. Sometimes even more frequently for the DM and AM, and all of them were serving or cooking along with the store employees.
I'm from Wisconsin but been to many waffle houses in Tennessee and even as far as southern Ohio. I remember the service being so friendly I even tipped a waitress that wasn't mine. It felt like I was coming over to someone's house for dinner. This is the only time I've ever experienced such hospitality at a restaurant. I believe WF is in a league of its own; the food actually tastes unique and good. IHOP and Dennys just feels like basic frozen crap off the Sysco truck.
Let’s take a moment to thank Cornelius Swartwout for inventing and patenting the waffle pan in 1869 and two men named Tom Forkner & Joe Rogers for creating the first waffle house in 1955 in Georgia✌🏻
One thing I like about waffle house is how little they've changed. With all the other places trying to chase the next best thing, it's comforting to see something that is basically stayed the same for the last several decades.
Especially when things are in constant flux these days. Even the simplistic rebrands we see nowadays can be distressing because it’s chipping away at our childhoods.
About the only thing which changes there is the menu; not in what they offer but where it's found on the new menu. Important to a Southerner, they have grits. And who else has raisin toast? Good coffee and never closed, what more could you want?
At one point I worked a job where I would miss dinner one night every week and have to wait until 9 or 10 pm to eat. There was a Waffle House on my way home, so I started stopping there since they were open and the food was good. I ate there so regularly that the waitress would see my car pull in and have my drink sitting at my regular booth by the time I made it into the store. I don’t miss that job, but I do miss that Waffle House. Triple, scattered, capped and country.
Waffle house is a staple restaurant in the state of Kentucky. One comedian described the restaurant as a "truck stop bathroom you can eat in" regardless great place to dine. Cheers.
I love their food. Perfect every time. And they sell grits! Also the clatter of the cook's spatula and servers' plates and mugs is somehow calming. I usually do not like kitchen noise in a restaurant, but in Waffle House it mixes with the chatter and is iconic.
I agree. I’m extremely sensitive to dish sounds and kitchen noise, but the Waffle House, it sounds so calm and inviting. It’s all part of the ambience of the space. Love Waffle House! Wish we had some in Alaska. 🥹
Waffle House's greatest feat to me is that when you go in it feels very mom and pop. Even though it's a restaurant juggernaut each one feels inviting and personal. I've never been to a chain where you sit down and notice everyone around chatting with each other, wait staff talking to customers because they've been going there for ages.
I worked in a bunch of different restaurants during and after college and Waffle House is one that always amazed me as a patron. I would frequently dine there after getting off work late, since they were always open and their attention to detail in terms of how the restaurant was set up was amazing to me. Everything about their layout and setup is devoted to making the restaurant more efficient. A typical location requires only two people working at any given time, a server and a cook. The layout ensures that the server can take orders, deliver food, ring customers out, and even wash dishes without leaving one general area. It requires a good bit of communication and coordination between the two workers but it never seemed like an overwhelming amount of work for the employees because of the way things were laid out.
Okay, but when was the last time you enjoyed the food or service so much that you thought: "Damn, that tasted efficient!" It's like the sit-down equivalent of a package of Ramen noodles. I've been in the industry for over 20 years, working in 5 states and you couldn't pay me to go back to (W)affle House.
eli anderson damn wow I honestly enjoy I live in North Texas no matter what me and my friends always loved going Late after the gym or a small house party and we are starving late night waffles I even went after proms and homecomings I guess you just had bad experiences or the times you went the cooks or food was off I’ve always had mostly nice experiences
@@mrdeatheli I never said I would want to work there. Low check totals and quick turn time means you’re very busy, all the time. That’s why they have to be efficient and able to get by with so few people. It’s conducive to burnout and high turnover.
One of my sons got sick the day we started home on vacation. Long trip, we canceled a stop along the way to make it home in one day. We stopped at a WH in Alabama or Mississippi, they made him a Mickey Mouse shaped waffle, changed everyone's mood. It was the highlight of the trip home.
I love Waffle House so much. After i graduated college i was so broke. I worked at an applebees and next door was a WH. I’d go over to WH often to get a bite to eat and chat with the servers. I described it as “church”. Even now in my late 20s i still go to WH when I’m sad or need to make a big decision because it’s such a nice environment.
I've been to WH several times in various places: Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and a few others. I've always had consistently good food served by friendly staff. One thing I was hoping he'd mention is the "Waffle House Index" for storm severity. They try to open as quickly as they can and serve what they can. I think its one of the things that makes them successful.
As an Alaskan who’s repeatedly ended up in the South, as a kid and teenager, Waffle House was a comfort and I was always so excited about it. Probably the best hospitality I’ve ever experienced, even above 4 star restaurants. I remember my dad and I were driving down to Florida from Alaska, we stopped in Louisiana for the night and in our hotel parking lot was a Waffle House. I was over the moon, after being on the road for 12+ hours (for multiple days) I stepped out of the truck, felt the humid air (something you only experience when you leave the state of Alaska and end up in the South) hugged a palm tree, and I walked into the Waffle House and it turned into a core memory.
As a frequent customer of Waffle House and as a Tax Prepare with plenty of local Waffle House employees for clients, Their success comes from treating people well. Their employees are paid reasonably and treated well. This in turn makes them much friendlier to customers who always feel welcome. They also seem to have a knack for hiring happy people. I've seen a 50+ year old line cook dance to Barbie Girl while cooking. I've been doted on by a manager and a brand new hire at 5am after being up for 30 hours straight working an install job. And I have never once felt unwelcome at any of the local locations.
I work at a Waffle House in Florida. I started in Marietta, GA, when I was 27. I have worked for Waffle House ( off and on ) for 25 years. I won't work at any other restaurant. I love the fast pace part of my job, and the family oriented co-workers that I love dearly. There's no place like home, at the Waffle House.
I worked at the Altamonte Springs location, Chattanooga and Johnson City..I haven't worked at one since 1997.. I'm still a short order cook working for Tom Jayson of Pittsburgh. Do they still do the calling out of orders?
I can't even count how many times and how many waffle houses I've been to and it is scary how consistent they are with the quality of their food,the timely manner in which it is cooked and served to the customer and the customer service. again, I literally cant count how many times I've been and had a great experience but I can say I've only had 2 bad experiences at WH and they were from rude customers who wanted to make a scene. waffle house is hands down the best place you can go for great service, food and for a great price.
And yet there's a unwavering ignorant urban legend that what you said is untrue, claiming they are greasy spoons with questionable cleanliness. However I've been to many, many, many locations and I confirm what you say. By the way I've had less than greatest service in city locations, namely Houston. But the smaller the town, the more amazing the interaction with their employees. And I believe it's 100% genuinely sincere. I've been to a LOT of places, and make that statement strongly.
I had to go to Nashville for 5 days on business. I purposely chose a motel that was only about 5 minutes walking distance away. I probably ate 10 meals there… the rest were at BBQ places.
I worked for Hobart food equipment back in the day and to my knowledge Waffle House was the only company that had their own dish machine custom built for them. Nobody else had that kind of clout, Hobart even tried to kill it off but Waffle House was having none of it. That same machine is still found behind the counter at every single one. I don't remember the model number but it had a clamshell lid and was small enough to fit beneath the counter out of sight.
The speed is no joke. I'm not sure if the cook is actually listening to your waitress taking your order, because when I ate here, it took literally less than 5 minutes for a 4 person table to get their food. It's absolutely insane and I have no idea how it's done.
Listen,watch and learn,waitress takes order and calls out in order of what takes longest to quickest (the lingo is old school short order),grill sets a plate with reminders on it(he could do hundreds of orders a hours),grill "drops" order to cook,plates order and calls for service or serves it if waitress id busy. A show if you know what your watching and a good grill man can move incredible amounts of food with 3feet of grill space.
I've gone to Waffle House so many times in my life. I've never had any bad experiences there. The food is always consistent, service is fast, and the staff is friendly. They also benefit from having a small menu that never changes. Sure you can go to Denny's or IHOP for more choices, but the simplicity and consistency is what makes WH the continuing success they are.
I agree, I went to Ihop today and the French toasts were cold and tasteless. Also Waffle House has better coffee and grits. I never ate grits until recently Thanks to Waffle House.
Waffle House is so reliable I never really thought about it till this video. If you are out before 5am in my area you just eat there. And I think maybe out of the hundreds of times I've been there I had to send ONE thing back EVER. And they fixed and returned or replaced it in a snap.
@@aking3624 I’m about an hour to the closest WH, so I just went on their website and ordered the waffles and grits mix. Hopefully it’s taste just like I’m sitting there.
I know several people that were executives at WH, and even though they have many franchised locations, they are all overseen by a WH regional manager, and virtually all franchises are actually owned by former WH managers. This keeps the quality extremely consistent across locations. It also helps that WH uses high quality food products, and because the kitchen is completely visible to customers, it forces a standard of cleanliness and food care, that may not be present in other restaurants where the food preparation areas are hidden.
I've been on a 3 AM waffle house run before. My family and I were moving out of state and pulling an all nighter to pack the last of the stuff. It's 3 AM and we realize that we have no food and we're all starving. All other restaurants in the area were closed and even the grocery store was closed so we couldn't even go get snack food. Thankfully, we had a waffle house just down the road. Saved our asses big time. Friendly staff and great food. Never change waffle house, never change.
I walked into Waffle House #1147 in Hapeville, Georgia, at 4:30 am when the outside temp was 19F. The short order cook, when not cooking, had the grill flame about a foot above the grill warming the surrounds. He mentioned that the furnace had gone out and plant maintenance wouldn't be there for a couple of days. Most of the booths were full. Most of those booths had hard luck stories seated in them, each trying to warm up from an unwelcomed Atlanta cold snap. The waitress was pouring coffee liberally throughout and appeared to know everyone by first name. I was seated at the counter. I looked around and realized I was probably the only one paying. I gave the waitress/cook a nice tip.
It amazes me how this company has stayed with a 1950's concept in every aspect: interior and exterior design, menu, service, yet still grow to this day, whereas countless other companies have shrunk due to the same strategy of anti-innovation (e.g. Sears or Blackberry). I love Waffle House, it's a very unique restaurant.
This is what happens when you don't just up and replace your locations. Growing up my WH was the same as when it was built. They did a minor renovation in the 2010s! The whole company runs on this type of philosophy including it's website and structure. I think it's still a private company, massively successful. Currently suffering a loss of staff. Needs to get a digital presence because stores need to be on door dash . I would order if it was.
Restaurants and retail are also different. There are plenty of family diners that go for decades or more unchanged, and waffle house is the same way. People can get along with a static menu. Fail to innovate in retail and your inventory just becomes unremarkable.
I think anti-innovation works okay for restaurants because its food whereas blackberry became an obsolete technology, and Sears didn't adapt to The internet. That's just my theory though
I started going to W/H when I was 11 years old and we moved from Ohio to Georgia. Im now 62. I moved from Georgia to Florida when I was 42 and even worked as a maintenance tech for W/H for a short time. I still eat at W/H several times a week. Even when traveling the east coast I prefer W/H when I can find one.
Waffle House is a place my great grandma and grandpa would go every morning, except holidays and Sundays, and whenever any of my sisters, brother or I would visit them we’d go to Waffle House with them. They were friends with all the workers and the workers knew what always to get them. I remember my sisters and I going and choosing out songs to play and I only ever ate waffles because they were named Waffle House. Waffle House will forever and always be part of my heart and whenever I see one it always makes me think of my great grandma and grandpa
To those of you unfamiliar with Waffle House, let me explain how it works. First you walk in and find a place to sit. No host, no hostess, just a place to sit that you can find. The menu is already at the table, so the waitress or waiter doesn’t have to bring it to you to make you wait. It’s a front and back sheet. They take your drink order and your order. You will be hard pressed to find a Waffle House that takes more than eight minutes to get you your food. You eat, maybe enjoy the jukebox, finish, walk to the cashier and pay. It’s is a no-nonsense sit down order and eat diner service. Simple, cheap, wonderful.
@@aaryt It’s greatly appreciated. The waiter/waitress still has to take your order, check on you, and the cook still has to make it. And there are no tickets or screens, they literally holler what you ordered in Waffle House lingo and the chef remembers that shit somehow. I’m always impressed by most staff every time I go, therefore, I leave a generous tip. I know you were probably kidding but as a former cook, I felt the need to comment 😂
It's surprising how the diner business model has managed to stick around in the age of food delivery services. It just goes to show much consumers value the social aspects of eating over the pure utility of delivery convenience...
I love diners, they always feel so authentic as if you’re supporting a smalltown family business, even in chains like IHOP and Denny’s. Plus it’s like entering a time capsule back to the 50s/60s
Give it a few more years. As someone who eats out regularly and have for the past three decades, I started noticing a difference at least 2-3 years before the pandemic hit, which has accelerated since early 2020.
They’re located in smaller areas where delivery services aren’t always available. Plus they serve a lower income clientele who wouldn’t want to pay the delivery fees.
They didn't dump the counter, unlike most other chains. Everyone says something to welcome you when you enter the restaurant. They're usually clean and brightly lit, which is nice, especially at night.
As many have mentioned, the short-order shouts have always been my favorite aspect of Waffle House. I used to sit at the counter just to watch the dance among multiple servers and one or two cooks and the choreography of plates, cookware, aprons and coffee. I’m a NYC boy but I NEVER miss a chance to eat at Waffle House when I find myself down South.
When I trained there, the word was that the golden rule was that a customer should not be in the store more than 17 minutes. However, at the local at the time I frequented, at night, you usually just chilled and ate and chilled some more. That’s the vibe they have and why they are successful I think.
I’ve eaten at Waffle Houses since 1960, and love them. They are nice ,friendly ,and have a homey feeling. You walk in and that smell hits you and brings back great memories. No fancy junk of silly names. Just good food and you can watch them make it. I hope the y NEVER change.
waffle house was always our Friday night hang out after football games in high school. a bunch of band geeks piling into a car and just having a great time eating good food
I’m Mexican and my buddy who’s Samoan went to a Waffle House in middle of nowhere Tennessee. Close to Chattanooga. Staff was all southern white folk and they were friendly, middle of the night and they came and sat down with us just to talk.
As a Mexican that's been in Tennessee, it was real hard the first times hearing the accent just to understand what they where saying jaja. Haven't been yet to a Waffle House, but I'm curious to go now.
Living in GA I can confirm that they maintain that mid century diner feel without it feeling like a gimmick (steak n shake) they're also everywhere. Nearby there are 2 resteraunts on either side of the same interstate exit. It's expected that you know your waffle house order and waffle house after Friday night football games is a tradition passed from generation to generation. I've never really lived in a place without waffle house and I don't think I even could. It's such an alarmingly large part of my life
Loved these in Kentucky. Recently moved back to Illinois. Sadly they’re not anywhere in my hometown, and I don’t think there’s a single one in this state. You walk in, take a seat, get some fresh hot coffee, a sweet hot waffle and signature breakfast bowl (hash, onions, cheese, scrambled eggs, and sausage in a bowl). Meanwhile you’re hearing the friendly somewhat ribbing banter between the staff as they move about the small space. Calling out orders, tending to patrons, ringing up at the register. It’s very, very unique. The sizzle of the kitchen. The smells. You feel like you’re in a Time Machine. A simple time. Sit down, get some breakfast and head out.
Looked into a franchise in Chicago area(very high traffic),was turned down as out of supply chain and didn't fit stand alone format(was going to refit a commercial building w/auto quick service, convenience store, car wash)
Fantastic video as always. Very informative and well put together. Gotta say, I've never had a bad experience with a Waffle House. There are 2 on the west end of the capitol city of my southern state that I used to go to after nights out with friends and one in a tiny town nearby I'd frequent back when I got off the 4pm to whenever shift at the warehouse I used to work at. Ordered hashbrowns, smothered and covered. Always got friendly service and the meals never disappointed. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm brown as a Hershey bar and no one ever bothered me. Nothing but good atmosphere and good food as far as my personal experience.
Waffle House is always a ‘must stop at’ when we travel. Each feels like every other one you’ve been to. Denny’s is hit or miss. More miss than hits. Interesting that there is usually just ONE cook to handle the entire menu. I enjoy watching him/her produce the orders correctly and fast.
I like the way they "call out" the orders. It's takes you back to a different time. There's a lot of training that goes on, probably because of employee turnover, but a restaurant you could probably run with 3 people there will be 5-6 working.
Fun fact I noticed one time sitting at the Waffle House many years ago: the plates on the prep line have a code system based on the type and placement of the jelly on said plate. That simple visual reference probably helps the cooks keep the orders correct.
The first time we traveled to the US 12 years ago, we wanted to try american waffles. Googled it and well, Waffle House came up lol. Since that first time, everytime we travel to the US, we must eat there at least once.
I like Denny's but your response is very true. I lived somewhere where one Denny's was really good - food was always great. Yet, the other one ten miles away had food that caused illness often.
i vividly remember IHOP, or Denny's being the (1) pancake/waffle restaurant's in this case while going on vacation with my mom, dad, grandparents, & cousins as a kid.
My first job was a Waffle House in MD and I eventually worked at one in downtown ATL when I was in college between the years of 2018-2020…I initially chose the job because I’m not much of a fan of their food (or breakfast food in general) but i can assure you…people truly LOVE Waffle House. And I feel like all these reasons play into it. From a server’s perspective one of the things i believe is extremely unique (or at least in this day and time) is the ticket writing, calling, and marking (done by the grill op) system! It’s so complex and they drill it into you within a week of classroom training. Then you get a week to train on the floor then you must pass your “red star” exam in order to be an actual server. WH employees really have their own language behind the counter that needs to be spoken, written and understood by all. I’ve seen many people go through parts of the training process and just drop out or not come back because it really can be tricky to grasp, understand, and then ultimately put into action. You especially want to know your stuff when it gets busy (which it usually will be in a WH). It seems so antiquated and as a worker you desperately just wish for a POS system, but people really do enjoy watching and it lends itself to the overall experience! Unlike other restaurants servers pretty much do all jobs…from cleaning your own dishes (in the dish pit behind the high counter) to hand calculating your check for your total…we also must memorize all menu prices for fastest service (became really good at mental math during this time LOL)! Now that I’ve graduated and am in my career i never really have a desire to go back to eat there but it is a restaurant that every one around me genuinely does love and rave about!
If you're sitting at the counter, check out the floor. At each end is a different colored tile. That's the position the order is supposed to be called out from. Yes, they have a system!
@abeniteal542, I used to go to Maryland ( Perryville, Cecil County, Craft Haven campground) every weekend in elementary school during summer. I think I remember seeing Waffle House in Northeast near Wendy's and Food Lion. Which location did you work at in Maryland?
As far as franchising goes, very few of Waffle House units are franchisees anymore. 97% probably are corporately owned as the franchises were unable to maintain quality standards. WH bought them all back. Waffle House also owns the contracting company that builds every restaurant, the restaurant equipment company that supplies all of the grilles, refrigeration, etc. Every store is also owned outright and paid for in full before they open, as well as the land it sits on.
I would also mention that Waffle House has its own language like “scattered, smothered and covered “. Plus, how the servers call out the orders to the line cooks. It’s fascinating to watch!
I love Waffle House. I’m a retired professional musician, and back in the 1970s and ‘80s when I was on the road, I always looked forward to finding a Waffle House. We did a lot of traveling at night, and they were often the only place available that was open late. The food was always good-their namesake waffles are excellent, and I could never resist the bone-in country ham! I’m from the West Coast, and we don’t have anything like Waffle House out here, we have Denny’s and IHOP which are not as good as Waffle House in my opinion. I haven’t been to the Southeast in decades-at my age (early 70s) with reduced mobility, I’m not likely to go back on the road, and gigs in my area are practically nonexistent. I don’t miss sleeping on a bus or in the back of a van, but I do miss Waffle House! 😋😋😋
Always Open is a huge thing! You're alone on New Year's Day, no family or friends to go to, or you're traveling or trucking, you got a seat at the Waffle House, rain or shine, holiday or no, day or night. They're always busy around here (NW Florida).
I have family in north Carolina that we drive cross-country to visit in the summertime, and restaurants like waffle house are kinda special to me- it's a fond memory of mine of making midnight pit stops for some hot waffles and hash browns when you're kinda tired and hungry.
I cannot overstate the number of awesome late night adventures I've had at this place. Every Waffle House seems to have it's own flair, yet a consistent vibe across the board. The number of times there have been drunk post-club patrons who have laughs with people they'll never see again is endless. Sometimes it is a bit slow on late nights, but when the right crowd of people are there, it's definitely a one of a kind experience, and possibly the truest essence of the concept of "southern hospitality." Also, that I get the same order very time, yet seem to pay a slightly different price every time. Never enough to make a scene, but I just have noticed it after so many time eating there.
I wish the vid talked about the culture of fights that break out in waffle houses. It's insane how often you hear about the brawls that break out. However if a customer starts it, you best believe there is a more than capable waffle house employee that'll end it. I live in AZ so we're the furthest west that you'll see them. I went one time and it was a cozy vibe. The kind of culture of brawling in a restaurant like in the south, doesn't happen often out here.
Some of my best childhood memories are going to waffle house with my grandma. In my part of Tennessee it seems like a local tradition for pretty much everyone. Rich kids after prom, blue collar guys after work, families of all kinds. It's truly a cultural icon and I'm so glad they've managed to be so successful.
I used to live in Chattanooga and Franklin back in the 90s. Chattanooga in the first half of the decade and Franklin in 97. The Chattanooga location my dad and I went to was off of shallowford rd right off of 75 and in Franklin off of Murfreesboro rd. Granted we only went to the one in Franklin once when my family moved there from st. Louis. Never had a bad meal from there and its always super comforting to be in one.
Fun fact, if you live in a “Hurricane Prone Area” and Waffle House close in your area before the storm EVACUATE YOUR AREA! Because corporate offices of Waffle House receive their information straight from NHC or National Hurricane Center. Before I got married, I used to get so many “One Night Stands” going to the restaurant after leaving the club lol 😂. Heck, I got more one night stands in Waffle House than I ever did hanging out at the club. One of my so called “Dates” got so obsessed with me after our night of pleasure, she stalked me for at least two years lol 😂. I even gave in and gave her what she wanted one more time, that was a DAMN MISTAKE 😂
Can't believe you didn't mention their emergency preparedness! They have plans in place for how to respond to a number of disaster scenarios, each location has an on-site generator and special, more-limited menus so they can keep on operating! Even the U.S. federal government uses a "Waffle House Index" to measure how bad a disaster is by if, and how, the Waffle Houses in an affected area are operating.
@@threehatmarbo8272 If the Waffle House is closed, there’s either a nuclear apocalypse or you may just very well be the last human left on the planet. Either way if the waffle house is closed, something is BAD WRONG.
Because it isn't as big as claimed. It was one guys barometer who worked for FEMA, it isn't an actual tool or indicator. Its mostly a marketing tool for Waffle House.
I am from Georgia, and I have been to Waffle House many times over the years. I think this video is well researched, considering even I learned a good bit about Waffle House. One thing I would like to emphasize is that nostalgia plays a big part in Waffle House’s success as well. My grandfather took his kids there, my dad took me there, and chances are, I will take my kid(s) there if I become a father.
Only had one truly bad Waffle House experience and it was in Nashville, TN. Was moving from VA to TX, driving my car and cat down to together. Stayed in a Nashville hotel with a WF next door. At 5:30 AM, figured I’d get a good start on the day…but go in and find only two employees and a local there. Get told they’re only doing take out orders and I have to wait outside until its ready. I ask what time they start serving normally, get told I could “try my luck” when the next shift got in at 7. Yeah….no. Grabbed a hotel muffin and drove on until I could get something at a gas station outside the city.
A white friend went into Waffle House in TN. The black female employee threw a coffee cup at him. He called the police. They pulled the security video. Waffle House made him a nice offer to settle within 12 hours. Racism goes all directions.
Probably the most satisfying meal I had in Florida outside Disney world. We were out sightseeing all day and went to Waffle House before we went back to the resort. We were tired and hungry, and the food was fast and delicious. It took 15 mins from the time our family of 4 ordered till when it got to the table, and the place was busy. Suffice to say, our server got a healthy tip.
There's this Waffle House I used to go to with my mom all the time when I was a kid. It was homey and there was this man who remembered us every time and always gave me a paper hat when we left. My last consistent visit there was when I was in middle school. I didn't go back to that place until my very last year in high school. Believe it or not, the same man was still working there and he remembered me and my mom. Before we even ordered, we just spent a good minute talking to each other and catching up. That right there I why Waffle House will always hold a special place in my heart. Sure, most of the food is so simple that you could literally make it a home, but let's me serious here. We don't go there for the food (mostly), we go there for the good time you know you'll have with familiar faces.
We stan Waffle House! I'm from MS, and we rarely ever thought about WH as a breakfast place; it was always a place that was always open, and when in college, it was the go to spot after parties! It's like a little place that doesn't take it self too serious nor too loose to not be a good food place. The food is cooked right in front of you, it is loud and noisy, folks are laughing and carrying on, and someone is always standing outside doing something like talking with their friends--but it's Waffle House, and it's supposed to feel like having breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast in a community.
I’ve lived in the south my whole life so WH is very dear to me. WH saved me and my friends from drunken hunger countless times. I’ve never seen a dirty restaurant, had an inaccurate order, or a rude server, but I swear they make up prices on the fly lol
Can confirm that Waffle House banked hard on car culture and won. My family is a bunch of road-trippers. The existence of a Waffle House near the hotel for breakfast in the morning has determined hotel choices for us purely because it's damn fast and damn consistent.
They have a unique system for the servers placing orders with a language all their own. The cook responds to the order being shouted and arranges condiments on a plate in a certain manner to indicate what food will be prepared. Literally, the accuracy of your meal depends on the direction of the mayonnaise packet. There are no computers or print outs just a lot of hollerin' about smothered, covered, diced and chunked!
When I was in high school I worked full time. I'd get off work between midnight and 2 AM and had to go to school the next day. Since I was making some money I decided that once a week I would treat myself to a T Bone steak, hash browns, scrambled eggs, toast and a big glass of cold milk. This was 1982 - 1984 in Georgia. As we say back home, I was living "high on the hog" to eat there once a week. One of their competitors was Huddle House. Waffle house had good food, the people that worked there were great and friendly. It was like family to me. Good memories and good food.
0:33 haven’t watched the full video but my favorite part has to be when you say “which is a shame cause these are some pretty tasty waffles” followed with the use of the “depressed blond woman” b-roll.
The Waffle House index is an actually good metric to how you should take a Hurricane seriously in the South. Famously, Waffle House has emergency menus for all sorts of contingincies such as no water or no gas, so that they can still stay open and serve food (some of these basically come down to oatmeal). The local Waffle Houses here in Florida had to close up shop for a serious hurricane but they found that because of employee and manager turnover, nobody actually had any keys to close up the shops since the stores never close and it's just occupied from one employee to the next - so they all had to get emergency locksmiths to come out and reset the locks!
This is beyond true, I lived and worked at the waffle house near me and we only closed twice for two reasons. 1. A pretty severe tornado was passing by and my manager called everyone and told us all to stay home. 2. Someone did a drive by and was forced to close due to that. Happened on Christmas Eve as well.
I'm surprised you went through the "always open" section and didn't mention the insane logistical accomplishments Waffle House has made to stay functional during disaster events. Waffle House is the benchmark for redundancy in many verticals--from shipping to IT.
"The Flavor of Love Girls. I love them. They look like the 3am shift at the Jacksonville, Florida Waffle House" Lisa Lampanelli Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav
It's become a yearly tradition to take my dad, every year, for father's day, to the Waffle House. We only have a couple in this state, but it's always fun to go there. It's nostalgic for me, as that's where my dad used to take me when I was a kid, and mom had to work late. So, I tend to associate it with happy, nostalgic memories, plus the food is ALWAYS good, and fast. I don't think I've ever gotten bad food from a Waffle House.
Waffle House is so fun to me. I have gone with my husband every Christmas Eve for breakfast, sometimes we invite family, sometimes we go by ourselves. It's also where we go to eat on our way out of town on a road trip. Good memories, good times! Looking forward to this Christmas Eve!
Do you do "Breakfast for Dinner" on Christmas Eve, or just Breakfast that morning. I (almost) always order breakfast at TheWaffle, no matter what time of day!
@@JPDillon we do breakfast for breakfast!!! And after that we go over to my in-laws house to bake, play games, watch movies, wrap gifts, and spend the night. Very fun!
Just so you know, that’s a double edged sword for employees. When you’re hired at WH, you’re reminded repeatedly you MUST work every holiday, so consider that when you go, you’re keeping employees from their own families on holidays. OTOH! Most employees enjoy working holidays bc the tips are excellent and cooks get paid holiday pay. Just remember to be nice, be patient, and tip well above 20%. Enjoy your All Star!
Several years ago my grandmother and me were on a road trip to visit my cousin in Texas. We were driving from Ohio to Austin over the course of 2 days. The first day we stopped at Cracker Barrel in West Mephis AK. Food was terrible, servers were rude, and acted like we were going to run on the bill we went to the bathroom. So we kept on driving and stopped in Texarkana. We woke up early and right off the highway was a Waffle House. We decided to try our luck here for breakfast. It was about 6:30 and was filled with truckers about to start their day. They found us a table and were extremally friendly. My grandmother asked if they had any tomato juice, because thats what she drinks every morning but didnt see it on the menu. Server goes to the back and comes back with a can of it. We ate for about 45 minutes to wake up and drink coffee, then hit the road. Left them a decent tip on our way out as well.
One time I smoked a joint with a Waffle House cook during his break at like 2:30am, and when I tell you he made me the best breakfast I’ve ever had. I remember that meal till this day.
A little story pertaining to the friendliness aspect. I was driving from TX to FL without a huge budget so I didn't really have money for a hotel. I had planned on staying at a rest stop but stopped at Waffle House for a quick bite before I went to bed. On my way out I asked how far away the nearest rest stop was and the server told me it was kind of far away. I was incredibly tired at that point and kind of worried about falling asleep at the wheel so I asked if I could take a quick nap in my car on the opposite side of the parking lot. Her response, "Of course hon, take as long as you need. I'll let the next shift know if you're still sleeping by the time 8 rolls around." Well I ended up waking up around 9:30ish and decided to go in for breakfast to thank them for the hospitality. As soon as I walked in the door the next shift asked, "Hey you're up! Did you sleep well?"
I know for a fact that you didn't stop in a ghetto area because you'd get shot, robbed or carjacked sleeping out in the parking lot of a waffle house
@@draculastraphouse7863 probably one of those off the highway
@@draculastraphouse7863 😂😂"didn't stop in a ghetto area"
Yeah at least he was safe where he was I don't like crime or violence I have it where I live to.
I've done that a few time heading to conventions accidentally drove down a hill instead of the correct entrance and when my girlfriend went in and asked if we could stop for a bit they were happy to let us :) even made a doggy bag of some biscuits for if I woke up before breakfast :)
This is awesome, I love that!
Fun fact, the FEMA unofficially uses a metric called the Waffle House Index to inform disaster responses because Waffle House is well known for preparing for disasters. If the Waffle House is closed, it's a pretty serious disaster.
Yeah here in FL when WH closes you know it's serious 👀🥓
I’s sure love one on George Webb’s - the history of the restaurant is quite fun and their relationship with the community.
And if 24 hours pass without a single fight taking place in a Waffle House location, the world will end.
This just made me think of like a school closing screen they use for snow days but for waffle houses during natural disasters lol
Those 2 guys both died in 2017. Now they in that great waffle house up above. 😇
Here's my Waffle House story:
Last September, I was driving from northern Indiana to southern Alabama. My wife had just ended things with me, and my family in the Mobile area told me to come down for a visit. I was already a day behind because I'd blown a tire in Kentucky and nobody had the right size in stock, but I thought the worst was behind me.
As I got into the outskirts of Nashville (almost exactly the halfway point on my route), I started losing transmission fluid fast - it was puking it out as fast as I could pour it in, and I was billowing smoke as it hit the exhaust. As the transmission went, the engine had to rev higher and higher to get it to shift at all.
I got off the Interstate as fast as I could and limped my smoking, overheating truck into a Waffle House parking lot. It was a nasty neighborhood - lots of broken glass and barred windows, and I had to wave off a hooker as I went in. But the Waffle House was an oasis.
I went in, sat down, and started trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do. The server must have overheard me on the phone, because after a few minutes she sat down at the booth and asked if I needed any help. I sourly joked that my wife had just left me and my truck had broken down, so I was a dead dog away from being in a country song. She smiled and said "well, hon, you're in Nashville, so at least it happened in the right place." Then she started brainstorming with me, recommending garages and motels in the area.
I finally figured it out - I'd Uber to a motel for the night, rent a U-Haul in the morning, and trailer it home. The manager told me he'd warn the night crew that the little blue truck in the parking lot was there with his permission, comped my meal, and told me it'd be okay. I thanked him and tipped them what the meal would've cost.
When I came back in the morning, the truck was completely untouched - not even the lockless bed box had been gotten into. And when he saw me pull up, the same manager came out and helped me load up.
I managed to get home without any further incident, fortunately, and the problem with the truck turned out to be just a worn-out seal - I'd managed to get it off the road before any serious damage was done. My garage got me back in action for something like $125.
I've always loved Waffle House, but after the sheer kindness they showed me that day, I'll be a faithful customer for life.
It's almost comical to hear how many similar-ish stories exist about Waffle House. It always seems to be that diner that pops up in the darkest part of the tale where the story takes a turn. I mean, just reading your story sounds like an epic drama for the silver screen. You're struggling through the journey, it's pouring down rain, the car is falling apart and you got nothing left. Ya find the diner, fill your belly, enjoy some conversation and find the strength to finish your trek.
Glad to hear things improved for your unfortunate journey. Definitely enjoyed reading it and loved the way you wrote it. One of the best comments I've ever seen on RUclips.
Damn why’d your wife leave you
First time I ever got drunk in my life, might've been 16, I felt awful and someone said we should get some food but everywhere was closed. We had one sober friend and she drove us all to Waffle House. The staff was so patient with some drunk kids. We aren't rowdy but were a bit slow. Our waitress took care of us like a mother hen. Got us so coffee and food. Helped us recover enough to face our parents. I will never forget her. She was like an angel to drunk teenage me
Are you a gurl?
The help us great. The hygiene standards less so.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267are you six
@@monsterhunter445 Why?
I am 33
This video fails to mention that, as long as you aren't the one picking the fight, you're probably fairly safe within a Waffle House as, inexplicably, every Waffle House is staffed by the most capable, 3:00 am on a Tuesday, no sleep but still kicking fighters able to throw hands in the business. Never under any circumstances start a fight in a Waffle House. They will lay you out, and they will throw you out....and then they will get right back to making waffles like nothing ever happened.
Did you witness this?????
Lol *It is in the south after all we are known for that*
Haha 👊👊
You also don't want to get laid out on a waffle house floor....
And if there is a massive fight in there, everything is steel and hard plastic and bolted down so it's pretty difficult to go in there and trash the place. Blood washes easily off of hard, solid surfaces, just saying
I remember during my highschool graduation our class valedictorian personally thanked our town's Waffle House staff for being there for us during late night meetups and study sessions during his speech. Waffle House really is a cultural staple of Georgia.
You wouldn't happen to be from Kentucky would you?
Waffle House, Krystal & L5P
What I miss about ATL
Late night study in high school? That is unbelievable.
@@godogs89 it was a speech from the valedictorian, arguably if anyone did any late night studying it was him.
Fun fact: I had my actual graduation photos (cap and gown and all that) taken at my waffle house in the middle of the day.
Back around 2015 I was eating lunch at a Waffle House in Alabama. The CEO of WH came in dressed just like all the other employees and went straight to work tidying up and helping to serve. Very impressive!
That was possibly Joe Rogers Jr. that was how he operated. Most times he would come in and go strait to washing dishes. I know because I once worked WH at a location in metro Atlanta up until about 2016.
I saw Joe Jr. come into a Waffle House in Roswell, GA. about 10 years ago. He put on a little paper cap and went straight to work. The staff members are all trained the same so that if someone calls in sick they can get someone in there who has never been in that store and they can go to work with on extra training.
Wow.
It's not just a Waffle House. It's a Waffle Home.
Sounds very sticky and unstable
I've been a manager for Waffle House going on six years now. We actually have stock, but it's privatized and only held by employees and managers. We get yearly updates, and fun fact, our stock has never gone down with the exception of 2020 when we shut down some stores due to covid.
Shut down due to a nonexistent illness.
You’re a manager for a corporate store or franchised?
Why did they do away with the menu they used to have ? I really liked the food, now the new menu is just to bland for my taste. I really miss the old menu.
whoa... i thought only cat 5 hurricanes shut down waffle houses....
Y'all are a good investment.
All the Waffle House folks really hustle, the most efficient restaurant workers I've ever seen.
Productivity = pay.
You have skin in the game.
I have lived in Atlanta my whole life, and its truly a part of the culture here. After one a night at the bar, a concert, braves game, you name it, the night always ends at waffle house. Its absolutely poppin at 2 am and usually on a wait. Christmas is also one of the busiest days of the year for them since they are the only place open, and its tradition for a lot of families to go to waffle house after they open presents. Its a true gem that I have soooo many memories in.
That is amazing man. We just don't have that kind of culture here in the midwest. So boring lol. Go Braves!!!
I am from north of Atlanta and it was basically the after the Friday football game for most highschoolers
Surprised to see no mention of the hashbrowns, which are almost as iconic as the waffles. Scattered, smothered, and covered is a thing in the South. Also I've been to the downtown Waffle House you showed, and it's especially fun seeing the tourists who are clearly in their first WaHo.
Surprise no mention of their employees self defense skills.
this right here. The hashbrown options and price cannot be beat periodt
Yesss!! Best. Ever. Hashbrowns. 🎉
The scattered, smothered, and covered hashbrowns are so iconic that a noise rock band actually named an album after them
I've given up trying to make them at home. The hash browns are legendary.
What I like about Waffle House:
1. Every Waffle House is small and cozy.
2. Every location is effectively the same building
3. The kitchen is directly in the store.
4. The food is extremely consistent.
Great place.
Cozy is the last thing I'd use to describe Waffle House
And the staff are real people who can understand and appreciate their customer. Most of the time, I'd say their customers can easily appreciate the staff because they're our only hope for a good meal at the time or place.
What I like about Waffle House is pretty much the free entertainment, I always eat there late night when I was in the US and sometimes there are fights outside or inside. Those free entertainment makes eating so there so much better....
1. Cozy? No clearly you're not in the darker regions of the country
2. That's true
3. Aren't they all?
4. Most chains can say that
If you’ve never been to Waffle House at 1 o’clock in the morning with your closest friends, eating the good food and talking about nothing in particular, you aren’t living your best life.
What a true declaration!
Very true. Haven't done that since I had kids but me and my wife actually reminisce about when we would just go to waffle house late at night on a whim. Good times
Or maybe there isn't any Waffle House in my state despite being the most populated in US. At least we have in-n-out.
i love going to Waffle House after work or super late at night. it’s the best most relaxing thing ever!
It's not a Waffle House. It's a Waffle Home.
So, I'm a black man living in Richmond, VA. For most of my life, I lived in an area of town where there were literally 2 waffle houses within a two block radius of each other and both of them were ALWAYS busy. That's how successful they are. This was in a predominantly black area so no racism issues here. I really think that's going to be area specific and not necessary on Waffle House corporate but the people running individual franchises (especially in deep south). We never had that issue. In fact Waffle House is pretty well known for being one of the few places that doesn't discriminate in hiring, especially for ex-convicts, basically hiring people who would otherwise not be able to get a job anywhere. It was also always known as one of the safest places to be any time of night. I know of at least two instances where women went into a waffle house because she felt unsafe (some drunk guy harrasing them) and the employees made sure that she was taken car of.
i agree with the safety always felt like a safe place
Never start a sentence with "so"... it's just arrogant.
I’m very glad to hear you haven’t been subject to any racism. Also I agree, I think it doesn’t stem from corporate and dwindle down its very likely to be specific franchisees that are just pieces of shits and it just so happened to be publicized
Olandir. Very nicely said. I've never had the chance to eat at a Waffle House. Your comments makes me want to try a little harder to get to one. Have a good day.
@@clvrswine *So, never start a sentence with “so”… it’s just arrogant.
I was visiting southern United States as a European tourist didn't know what grits were the chef gave me a bowl to taste. The food at waffle house is not great but I will always remember the southern hospitality and a unique Americana experience
I first ate at a Waffle House this past summer on a trip to Florida. Fell in love with those places. Super reasonably priced food, a minimum menu selection, and at least for me, fast friendly service. So there's three reasons for their success.
They also make off-menu options upon request usually
1. A young man I used to work with said derisively that "everyone has a Waffle House story". It's true for me.
2. Anthony Bourdain famously said you could go there in any state of inebriation and get good food. He went to say in the same video that Waffle House was better than a high end french restaurant because it knew who they were.
The state of inebriation is why it's actually kinda scary to go there late at night... LOL. They also tend to be located in ghetto-ish areas. There is actually one across the street from my apt complex. My apt is in the more gentrified area, but the hood is just down the street, not far from the Waffle House.
Company Man I also wonder if he's a fat fuck. He NEVER mentions the nutritional impact in his restaurant videos. He talked up Arizona teas hardcore, and when I looked at what is actually in those teas, it's like drinking sugar.
Waffle House is known for literally soaking all of their food in butter. I'd rather just make breakfast at home.
Makes total sense though why they're a Southern thing. Southerners love their fatty soul foods.
I’ve been to Waffle House maybe 3 times in my life, and even I have a Waffle House story 😂
You know a place is good when Anthony Bourdain - Rest in Peace :( - recommend it :) I have to agree if the Waffle House story statement :)
Anthony Bourdain was absolutely correct.
@@Amokra I watched that show where he went to a waffle house and really liked the food and was complimentary of the grill cook
I used to work at a Waffle House and I wanted to point out the ambivalence to local culture. For example, I was 16-17 working the 3rd shift (9pm-6am) and when the club crowds came in at 230 on Two Dollar Tuesdays, Thirst Thursdays, Fridays, and Ssturdays we didn't gatekeep or shame the style if dress or antics. Come in! Spend your money! Tell me about how your night went! We also had regulars that we knew their orders and how they liked their food cooked. I remember Mr Joe who wanted his scrambled eggs well done (with a little brown on it), black coffee, and unbuttoned toast. Pip who wanted 3 eggs scrambles with cheese and a FULL glass of orange juice. And Mr Evans who wanted a RARE Ribeye. I talking 30 seconds, flip it, 40 seconds, serve it. He gave me 100 dollars and a card for my high school graduation present. I miss Waffle House some days
I love hearing stories about people like this! Thank you for sharing 🤍
Thanks for sharing
You sound like the kind of WH server that would've received a big tip from me. Good servers are the reason I go back to a restaurant, plus the good food.
Who ever you are, thanks, I can tell you were very conscientious about your job then and I know your character and work ethic will bless you wherever you want to go in life.
and that's one more reason we love Waffle House.
I'd list consistency and environment as my top two. I know it's hard to screw up breakfast, but you're bound to get the same plate of food, same quality and consistency, whether you are in Southern Indiana or South Florida. I know, I've lived both places. You nailed it on the environment, plus there's some sense of nostalgia with the diner-type atmosphere. It's an absolute must on road trips!!!
Ones in SE Florida have less likelyhood of mid-trip stop-ins because it's the end of the line, or the driver is just starting their trip
Me and an Ex used to hit it every Saturday night, usually after the Barn Dance.
By the time I got to my seat, they had a handful of Captain wafers and a bowl of shredded Cheddar in hand. The cook already had my Pecan Waffle mixing, my eggs and Country ham out. He always gave me the best slice. Just a note, if you go every week, tip the cook too. It pays you big in dividend. An extra egg, more pecans in the waffle, just for a couple bucks. His wife got a good tip too. Usually a $10, so she took care of our tables. I made sure everyone gave her $2-3, so she did good. They probably made $2 an hour and he got $10. $10 would buy 10 gallons of gas then.
I remember his wife coming up to me in the Walmart and letting me know he passed. It had been closed down 10 years by then, but she remembered how much I liked him. I considered him a friend. She was often my waitress too. They worked it together till it closed. The ground was giving way to an underground stream. Takes the Ground falling to shut one down. And, the government shut down most nightclubs thru roadblocks, so business in our small town was small.
I miss it. I can drive 15 miles to another, but, it's always best at 3am, and I'm old n tired now.
The part that always impressed me was that they never tooted their horn or pretended to be anything more than what they were. No catchy signs in every window, no advertising on TV, radio, or even in print except for once I saw they had two squares in a church bulletin when I was trying to find my way. There were never any limited menus, seasonal specials or other stuff. Just a simple two sided menu with extremely reasonable prices. Plus they have bacon!!
there is actually a "secret" menu. I just started working at wafflehouse about 2 weeks ago and theres more than whats on that 2 sided menu. mostly lots of sandwich options and omelets aside from what already exists. I believe blueberry waffles used to be seasonal but they are now all year.
They had peach waffles as a seasonal special once. Best waffles I’ve had
@@alexlawson4173 There is no waffle house secret menu. It's just the menu that you get when you sit down now is not the full menu. It's a subset of the menu. A few years ago they 'cleaned up' the printed menu to make it simpler. But the full menu is still online. Recently I had a conversation with a relatively new waitress who didn't know that what I was ordering was actually food that was on the menu till one of her coworkers informed her of it.
@@Sindalis1 yeah that's what I meant by "secret" it's not really a secret but I find a lot of people don't know about it. Just that there's more than what's on the main menu that a lot of people don't know about.
@@Sindalis1 Steak wasn't even on the menu when I went a few weeks ago...
I've been a waffle house server for twelve years and I LOVE IT! One notable thing you didn't mention was The Waffle House Index. This is to basically judge how bad things are during a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. If the Waffle House is unable to function at all the area is flagged as RED. If they are able to get power to the store and the building is intact it will be open, mainly to feed rescue workers and people who stayed in the area without access to food or water. There is also what is called "The Waffle House Jump Team". This is a select group of individuals who can actually be parachuted in to help run the store in the sidaster area if the employees at that store are unable to get to work. Really an amazing company! I know one woman in particular who has worked as a server for 45 years AT THE SAME WAFFLE HOUSE! Many, many people who work at a Waffle House have 10, 20, 30 years in! 🥰
This only makes this Damn Yankee love the place more!
@@howieduwit2551 Nothin' more american than airborne waffle rangers ;).
Also, the District, Area, and Regional Managers are store managers themselves. They also rotate around the stores under them to make sure everything is going well. At the store I frequented a lot, I saw the DM once a month, the AM every other month or so, and the RM more than a few times over the course of a year. Sometimes even more frequently for the DM and AM, and all of them were serving or cooking along with the store employees.
They fed us paramedics in New Orleans during Katrina. Great group of people helping others.
A waffle house jump team you can't be serious lol
I'm from Wisconsin but been to many waffle houses in Tennessee and even as far as southern Ohio. I remember the service being so friendly I even tipped a waitress that wasn't mine. It felt like I was coming over to someone's house for dinner. This is the only time I've ever experienced such hospitality at a restaurant. I believe WF is in a league of its own; the food actually tastes unique and good. IHOP and Dennys just feels like basic frozen crap off the Sysco truck.
Let’s take a moment to thank Cornelius Swartwout for inventing and patenting the waffle pan in 1869 and two men named Tom Forkner & Joe Rogers for creating the first waffle house in 1955 in Georgia✌🏻
One thing I like about waffle house is how little they've changed. With all the other places trying to chase the next best thing, it's comforting to see something that is basically stayed the same for the last several decades.
Especially when things are in constant flux these days. Even the simplistic rebrands we see nowadays can be distressing because it’s chipping away at our childhoods.
The ole saying " If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it" and they continue to make great food !
@@SeaStarTea just saying, don’t tie your childhood to the mass produced menu of a franchise. There’s better things in life
I love that too! And I drive a 99 Civic 😊
About the only thing which changes there is the menu; not in what they offer but where it's found on the new menu. Important to a Southerner, they have grits. And who else has raisin toast? Good coffee and never closed, what more could you want?
At one point I worked a job where I would miss dinner one night every week and have to wait until 9 or 10 pm to eat. There was a Waffle House on my way home, so I started stopping there since they were open and the food was good. I ate there so regularly that the waitress would see my car pull in and have my drink sitting at my regular booth by the time I made it into the store. I don’t miss that job, but I do miss that Waffle House.
Triple, scattered, capped and country.
Ayyyy
You can tell this dude is ◻️ as hell lmao. I'm willing to bet you're slightly racist.
That wasn't a Waffle House, that was a Waffle Home
one of the 10 steps is "beat to the seat" sounds like they did that at least.
As a cook from there,u called it right,lol
Waffle house is a staple restaurant in the state of Kentucky. One comedian described the restaurant as a "truck stop bathroom you can eat in" regardless great place to dine. Cheers.
lol
As a Kentuckian I can support this statement
I love their food. Perfect every time. And they sell grits! Also the clatter of the cook's spatula and servers' plates and mugs is somehow calming. I usually do not like kitchen noise in a restaurant, but in Waffle House it mixes with the chatter and is iconic.
I agree. I’m extremely sensitive to dish sounds and kitchen noise, but the Waffle House, it sounds so calm and inviting. It’s all part of the ambience of the space. Love Waffle House! Wish we had some in Alaska. 🥹
Waffle House's greatest feat to me is that when you go in it feels very mom and pop. Even though it's a restaurant juggernaut each one feels inviting and personal. I've never been to a chain where you sit down and notice everyone around chatting with each other, wait staff talking to customers because they've been going there for ages.
I worked in a bunch of different restaurants during and after college and Waffle House is one that always amazed me as a patron. I would frequently dine there after getting off work late, since they were always open and their attention to detail in terms of how the restaurant was set up was amazing to me.
Everything about their layout and setup is devoted to making the restaurant more efficient. A typical location requires only two people working at any given time, a server and a cook. The layout ensures that the server can take orders, deliver food, ring customers out, and even wash dishes without leaving one general area. It requires a good bit of communication and coordination between the two workers but it never seemed like an overwhelming amount of work for the employees because of the way things were laid out.
Okay, but when was the last time you enjoyed the food or service so much that you thought: "Damn, that tasted efficient!"
It's like the sit-down equivalent of a package of Ramen noodles.
I've been in the industry for over 20 years, working in 5 states and you couldn't pay me to go back to (W)affle House.
eli anderson damn wow I honestly enjoy I live in North Texas no matter what me and my friends always loved going Late after the gym or a small house party and we are starving late night waffles I even went after proms and homecomings I guess you just had bad experiences or the times you went the cooks or food was off I’ve always had mostly nice experiences
@@mrdeatheli luckily, most of us don't take ourselves as seriously as you do.
@@mrdeatheli literally nothing tastes as good as a bacon egg and cheese hashbrown bowl no matter how much it costs lol
@@mrdeatheli I never said I would want to work there. Low check totals and quick turn time means you’re very busy, all the time. That’s why they have to be efficient and able to get by with so few people. It’s conducive to burnout and high turnover.
One of my sons got sick the day we started home on vacation. Long trip, we canceled a stop along the way to make it home in one day. We stopped at a WH in Alabama or Mississippi, they made him a Mickey Mouse shaped waffle, changed everyone's mood. It was the highlight of the trip home.
I love Waffle House so much. After i graduated college i was so broke. I worked at an applebees and next door was a WH. I’d go over to WH often to get a bite to eat and chat with the servers. I described it as “church”. Even now in my late 20s i still go to WH when I’m sad or need to make a big decision because it’s such a nice environment.
I've been to WH several times in various places: Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and a few others. I've always had consistently good food served by friendly staff. One thing I was hoping he'd mention is the "Waffle House Index" for storm severity. They try to open as quickly as they can and serve what they can. I think its one of the things that makes them successful.
It’s safe to say this guy will never run out of video ideas lol
He found his niche
Especially in America
Thank gawd
@@NicholasLittlejohn You need a life.
No it's not . There's a finite amount of companies
As an Alaskan who’s repeatedly ended up in the South, as a kid and teenager, Waffle House was a comfort and I was always so excited about it. Probably the best hospitality I’ve ever experienced, even above 4 star restaurants. I remember my dad and I were driving down to Florida from Alaska, we stopped in Louisiana for the night and in our hotel parking lot was a Waffle House. I was over the moon, after being on the road for 12+ hours (for multiple days) I stepped out of the truck, felt the humid air (something you only experience when you leave the state of Alaska and end up in the South) hugged a palm tree, and I walked into the Waffle House and it turned into a core memory.
As a frequent customer of Waffle House and as a Tax Prepare with plenty of local Waffle House employees for clients, Their success comes from treating people well. Their employees are paid reasonably and treated well. This in turn makes them much friendlier to customers who always feel welcome. They also seem to have a knack for hiring happy people. I've seen a 50+ year old line cook dance to Barbie Girl while cooking. I've been doted on by a manager and a brand new hire at 5am after being up for 30 hours straight working an install job. And I have never once felt unwelcome at any of the local locations.
I work at a Waffle House in Florida. I started in Marietta, GA, when I was 27. I have worked for Waffle House ( off and on ) for 25 years. I won't work at any other restaurant. I love the fast pace part of my job, and the family oriented co-workers that I love dearly. There's no place like home, at the Waffle House.
I worked at the Altamonte Springs location, Chattanooga and Johnson City..I haven't worked at one since 1997.. I'm still a short order cook working for Tom Jayson of Pittsburgh. Do they still do the calling out of orders?
@@zacknorris4791 Hi Zack Yes, they do. That's the best part, being a server.
@@zacknorris4791 wtf is your pfp??????
Do u make good money?
Nice story robot
I can't even count how many times and how many waffle houses I've been to and it is scary how consistent they are with the quality of their food,the timely manner in which it is cooked and served to the customer and the customer service. again, I literally cant count how many times I've been and had a great experience but I can say I've only had 2 bad experiences at WH and they were from rude customers who wanted to make a scene. waffle house is hands down the best place you can go for great service, food and for a great price.
Good luck in Baton Rouge with that timely manner 😆.
@@RiVer-Parish come up here!the ones in bossier are way better!!lol
And yet there's a unwavering ignorant urban legend that what you said is untrue, claiming they are greasy spoons with questionable cleanliness. However I've been to many, many, many locations and I confirm what you say.
By the way I've had less than greatest service in city locations, namely Houston. But the smaller the town, the more amazing the interaction with their employees. And I believe it's 100% genuinely sincere. I've been to a LOT of places, and make that statement strongly.
@@Bill_Woo yes!!I live in a rural(ish) location and our 2 waffle houses are the absolute best!!
I had to go to Nashville for 5 days on business. I purposely chose a motel that was only about 5 minutes walking distance away. I probably ate 10 meals there… the rest were at BBQ places.
I worked for Hobart food equipment back in the day and to my knowledge Waffle House was the only company that had their own dish machine custom built for them. Nobody else had that kind of clout, Hobart even tried to kill it off but Waffle House was having none of it. That same machine is still found behind the counter at every single one. I don't remember the model number but it had a clamshell lid and was small enough to fit beneath the counter out of sight.
The speed is no joke. I'm not sure if the cook is actually listening to your waitress taking your order, because when I ate here, it took literally less than 5 minutes for a 4 person table to get their food. It's absolutely insane and I have no idea how it's done.
Listen,watch and learn,waitress takes order and calls out in order of what takes longest to quickest (the lingo is old school short order),grill sets a plate with reminders on it(he could do hundreds of orders a hours),grill "drops" order to cook,plates order and calls for service or serves it if waitress id busy. A show if you know what your watching and a good grill man can move incredible amounts of food with 3feet of grill space.
I've gone to Waffle House so many times in my life. I've never had any bad experiences there. The food is always consistent, service is fast, and the staff is friendly. They also benefit from having a small menu that never changes. Sure you can go to Denny's or IHOP for more choices, but the simplicity and consistency is what makes WH the continuing success they are.
Same
I agree, I went to Ihop today and the French toasts were cold and tasteless. Also Waffle House has better coffee and grits. I never ate grits until recently Thanks to Waffle House.
Waffle House is so reliable I never really thought about it till this video. If you are out before 5am in my area you just eat there. And I think maybe out of the hundreds of times I've been there I had to send ONE thing back EVER. And they fixed and returned or replaced it in a snap.
Love their grits!! Light & fluffy. I get them with grilled ham bits..😋
@@aking3624 I’m about an hour to the closest WH, so I just went on their website and ordered the waffles and grits mix. Hopefully it’s taste just like I’m sitting there.
I know several people that were executives at WH, and even though they have many franchised locations, they are all overseen by a WH regional manager, and virtually all franchises are actually owned by former WH managers. This keeps the quality extremely consistent across locations. It also helps that WH uses high quality food products, and because the kitchen is completely visible to customers, it forces a standard of cleanliness and food care, that may not be present in other restaurants where the food preparation areas are hidden.
THIS I can trust what they are doing with my food. You don't know what they are doing to your food in other restaurants.
I've been on a 3 AM waffle house run before. My family and I were moving out of state and pulling an all nighter to pack the last of the stuff. It's 3 AM and we realize that we have no food and we're all starving. All other restaurants in the area were closed and even the grocery store was closed so we couldn't even go get snack food. Thankfully, we had a waffle house just down the road. Saved our asses big time. Friendly staff and great food. Never change waffle house, never change.
I walked into Waffle House #1147 in Hapeville, Georgia, at 4:30 am when the outside temp was 19F. The short order cook, when not cooking, had the grill flame about a foot above the grill warming the surrounds. He mentioned that the furnace had gone out and plant maintenance wouldn't be there for a couple of days. Most of the booths were full. Most of those booths had hard luck stories seated in them, each trying to warm up from an unwelcomed Atlanta cold snap. The waitress was pouring coffee liberally throughout and appeared to know everyone by first name. I was seated at the counter. I looked around and realized I was probably the only one paying. I gave the waitress/cook a nice tip.
It amazes me how this company has stayed with a 1950's concept in every aspect: interior and exterior design, menu, service, yet still grow to this day, whereas countless other companies have shrunk due to the same strategy of anti-innovation (e.g. Sears or Blackberry). I love Waffle House, it's a very unique restaurant.
There is nothing complicated at all. It is truly the In-N-Out of sit-down restaurant.
This is what happens when you don't just up and replace your locations. Growing up my WH was the same as when it was built. They did a minor renovation in the 2010s! The whole company runs on this type of philosophy including it's website and structure. I think it's still a private company, massively successful. Currently suffering a loss of staff. Needs to get a digital presence because stores need to be on door dash . I would order if it was.
Restaurants and retail are also different. There are plenty of family diners that go for decades or more unchanged, and waffle house is the same way. People can get along with a static menu. Fail to innovate in retail and your inventory just becomes unremarkable.
I think anti-innovation works okay for restaurants because its food whereas blackberry became an obsolete technology, and Sears didn't adapt to The internet. That's just my theory though
Omnipresence.
I swear all the Waffle House stories I’ve heard have been Florida-Man tier. Weird to hear they’re actually known for being high quality and welcoming.
it's not the kind of welcoming you're expecting if you use terms like 'florida man'. or the kind of quality.
@@bunniesbunniesbunnie
He *hurred* , neva been
In some places Waffle House is the only place open 24/7. Most of the people awake at 4 AM are drunk or otherwise trouble.
It is not high quality, it's when you're trashed tier
That's pretty bigoted dude
I started going to W/H when I was 11 years old and we moved from Ohio to Georgia. Im now 62.
I moved from Georgia to Florida when I was 42 and even worked as a maintenance tech for W/H for a short time. I still eat at W/H several times a week. Even when traveling the east coast I prefer W/H when I can find one.
Waffle House is a place my great grandma and grandpa would go every morning, except holidays and Sundays, and whenever any of my sisters, brother or I would visit them we’d go to Waffle House with them. They were friends with all the workers and the workers knew what always to get them. I remember my sisters and I going and choosing out songs to play and I only ever ate waffles because they were named Waffle House. Waffle House will forever and always be part of my heart and whenever I see one it always makes me think of my great grandma and grandpa
To those of you unfamiliar with Waffle House, let me explain how it works.
First you walk in and find a place to sit. No host, no hostess, just a place to sit that you can find. The menu is already at the table, so the waitress or waiter doesn’t have to bring it to you to make you wait. It’s a front and back sheet. They take your drink order and your order. You will be hard pressed to find a Waffle House that takes more than eight minutes to get you your food. You eat, maybe enjoy the jukebox, finish, walk to the cashier and pay. It’s is a no-nonsense sit down order and eat diner service. Simple, cheap, wonderful.
So did they sell pancakes?
@@bruceh4180 no
So you dont have to tip?
@@aaryt It’s greatly appreciated. The waiter/waitress still has to take your order, check on you, and the cook still has to make it.
And there are no tickets or screens, they literally holler what you ordered in Waffle House lingo and the chef remembers that shit somehow. I’m always impressed by most staff every time I go, therefore, I leave a generous tip.
I know you were probably kidding but as a former cook, I felt the need to comment 😂
Thanks. I’m one of the half that have never beee to one.
It's surprising how the diner business model has managed to stick around in the age of food delivery services. It just goes to show much consumers value the social aspects of eating over the pure utility of delivery convenience...
Well it helps that some people don't want to pay an extra 10+ dollars for that delivery convenience.
I love diners, they always feel so authentic as if you’re supporting a smalltown family business, even in chains like IHOP and Denny’s. Plus it’s like entering a time capsule back to the 50s/60s
Since 2020 Waffle House delivers.
Give it a few more years. As someone who eats out regularly and have for the past three decades, I started noticing a difference at least 2-3 years before the pandemic hit, which has accelerated since early 2020.
They’re located in smaller areas where delivery services aren’t always available. Plus they serve a lower income clientele who wouldn’t want to pay the delivery fees.
They didn't dump the counter, unlike most other chains. Everyone says something to welcome you when you enter the restaurant. They're usually clean and brightly lit, which is nice, especially at night.
Let that sink in. A line cook bought a house AND was able to start a business.
As many have mentioned, the short-order shouts have always been my favorite aspect of Waffle House. I used to sit at the counter just to watch the dance among multiple servers and one or two cooks and the choreography of plates, cookware, aprons and coffee. I’m a NYC boy but I NEVER miss a chance to eat at Waffle House when I find myself down South.
When I trained there, the word was that the golden rule was that a customer should not be in the store more than 17 minutes. However, at the local at the time I frequented, at night, you usually just chilled and ate and chilled some more. That’s the vibe they have and why they are successful I think.
I’ve eaten at Waffle Houses since 1960, and love them. They are nice ,friendly ,and have a homey feeling. You walk in and that smell hits you and brings back great memories. No fancy junk of silly names. Just good food and you can watch them make it. I hope the y NEVER change.
waffle house was always our Friday night hang out after football games in high school. a bunch of band geeks piling into a car and just having a great time eating good food
I’m Mexican and my buddy who’s Samoan went to a Waffle House in middle of nowhere Tennessee. Close to Chattanooga. Staff was all southern white folk and they were friendly, middle of the night and they came and sat down with us just to talk.
As a Mexican that's been in Tennessee, it was real hard the first times hearing the accent just to understand what they where saying jaja.
Haven't been yet to a Waffle House, but I'm curious to go now.
Thank you for being honest
Living in GA I can confirm that they maintain that mid century diner feel without it feeling like a gimmick (steak n shake) they're also everywhere. Nearby there are 2 resteraunts on either side of the same interstate exit. It's expected that you know your waffle house order and waffle house after Friday night football games is a tradition passed from generation to generation. I've never really lived in a place without waffle house and I don't think I even could. It's such an alarmingly large part of my life
Lmao I live in GA and there’s a Waffle House that’s so busy they built another one across the street!
I know a interstate interchange in ATL where there are two WH literally next door to each other! One very old, one very new!
Oh yeah! Isn't this like Covington or something? I do t remember
@Kuristofa138 the one I'm talking about is in Acworth, but I don't doubt there are a few elsewhere in atlanta.
Loved these in Kentucky. Recently moved back to Illinois. Sadly they’re not anywhere in my hometown, and I don’t think there’s a single one in this state.
You walk in, take a seat, get some fresh hot coffee, a sweet hot waffle and signature breakfast bowl (hash, onions, cheese, scrambled eggs, and sausage in a bowl). Meanwhile you’re hearing the friendly somewhat ribbing banter between the staff as they move about the small space. Calling out orders, tending to patrons, ringing up at the register. It’s very, very unique. The sizzle of the kitchen. The smells. You feel like you’re in a Time Machine. A simple time. Sit down, get some breakfast and head out.
Looked into a franchise in Chicago area(very high traffic),was turned down as out of supply chain and didn't fit stand alone format(was going to refit a commercial building w/auto quick service, convenience store, car wash)
@@ronv6637 I’ll never understand why they’re not here. Randall road for example would be the perfect spot
Fantastic video as always. Very informative and well put together. Gotta say, I've never had a bad experience with a Waffle House. There are 2 on the west end of the capitol city of my southern state that I used to go to after nights out with friends and one in a tiny town nearby I'd frequent back when I got off the 4pm to whenever shift at the warehouse I used to work at. Ordered hashbrowns, smothered and covered. Always got friendly service and the meals never disappointed. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm brown as a Hershey bar and no one ever bothered me. Nothing but good atmosphere and good food as far as my personal experience.
Waffle House is always a ‘must stop at’ when we travel. Each feels like every other one you’ve been to. Denny’s is hit or miss. More miss than hits. Interesting that there is usually just ONE cook to handle the entire menu. I enjoy watching him/her produce the orders correctly and fast.
I like the way they "call out" the orders. It's takes you back to a different time. There's a lot of training that goes on, probably because of employee turnover, but a restaurant you could probably run with 3 people there will be 5-6 working.
Fun fact I noticed one time sitting at the Waffle House many years ago: the plates on the prep line have a code system based on the type and placement of the jelly on said plate. That simple visual reference probably helps the cooks keep the orders correct.
The first time we traveled to the US 12 years ago, we wanted to try american waffles. Googled it and well, Waffle House came up lol. Since that first time, everytime we travel to the US, we must eat there at least once.
I like Denny's but your response is very true. I lived somewhere where one Denny's was really good - food was always great. Yet, the other one ten miles away had food that caused illness often.
i vividly remember IHOP, or Denny's being the (1) pancake/waffle restaurant's in this case while going on vacation with my mom, dad, grandparents, & cousins as a kid.
My first job was a Waffle House in MD and I eventually worked at one in downtown ATL when I was in college between the years of 2018-2020…I initially chose the job because I’m not much of a fan of their food (or breakfast food in general) but i can assure you…people truly LOVE Waffle House. And I feel like all these reasons play into it. From a server’s perspective one of the things i believe is extremely unique (or at least in this day and time) is the ticket writing, calling, and marking (done by the grill op) system! It’s so complex and they drill it into you within a week of classroom training. Then you get a week to train on the floor then you must pass your “red star” exam in order to be an actual server. WH employees really have their own language behind the counter that needs to be spoken, written and understood by all. I’ve seen many people go through parts of the training process and just drop out or not come back because it really can be tricky to grasp, understand, and then ultimately put into action. You especially want to know your stuff when it gets busy (which it usually will be in a WH). It seems so antiquated and as a worker you desperately just wish for a POS system, but people really do enjoy watching and it lends itself to the overall experience! Unlike other restaurants servers pretty much do all jobs…from cleaning your own dishes (in the dish pit behind the high counter) to hand calculating your check for your total…we also must memorize all menu prices for fastest service (became really good at mental math during this time LOL)! Now that I’ve graduated and am in my career i never really have a desire to go back to eat there but it is a restaurant that every one around me genuinely does love and rave about!
If you're sitting at the counter, check out the floor. At each end is a different colored tile. That's the position the order is supposed to be called out from. Yes, they have a system!
@abeniteal542, I used to go to Maryland ( Perryville, Cecil County, Craft Haven campground) every weekend in elementary school during summer. I think I remember seeing Waffle House in Northeast near Wendy's and Food Lion. Which location did you work at in Maryland?
@@shainahullihen1159 Riverside! Exit 80 coming up that stretch of i-95
That's my local waffle house!
I have worked for them for 21 years after leaving the military. I can honestly say it’s one of the best companies in the US .
As far as franchising goes, very few of Waffle House units are franchisees anymore. 97% probably are corporately owned as the franchises were unable to maintain quality standards. WH bought them all back. Waffle House also owns the contracting company that builds every restaurant, the restaurant equipment company that supplies all of the grilles, refrigeration, etc. Every store is also owned outright and paid for in full before they open, as well as the land it sits on.
I would also mention that Waffle House has its own language like “scattered, smothered and covered “. Plus, how the servers call out the orders to the line cooks. It’s fascinating to watch!
That particular combination is how I always ordered my hash browns.
Don't forget the song!! 😃
their secret menu is great too! pb & j and bananas on hot dog bun.
You are triggering my omelet memories.
Lmao omg I doing even know where to start with the amount of ignorance 😭
I love Waffle House. I’m a retired professional musician, and back in the 1970s and ‘80s when I was on the road, I always looked forward to finding a Waffle House. We did a lot of traveling at night, and they were often the only place available that was open late. The food was always good-their namesake waffles are excellent, and I could never resist the bone-in country ham! I’m from the West Coast, and we don’t have anything like Waffle House out here, we have Denny’s and IHOP which are not as good as Waffle House in my opinion. I haven’t been to the Southeast in decades-at my age (early 70s) with reduced mobility, I’m not likely to go back on the road, and gigs in my area are practically nonexistent. I don’t miss sleeping on a bus or in the back of a van, but I do miss Waffle House! 😋😋😋
Always Open is a huge thing! You're alone on New Year's Day, no family or friends to go to, or you're traveling or trucking, you got a seat at the Waffle House, rain or shine, holiday or no, day or night. They're always busy around here (NW Florida).
I have family in north Carolina that we drive cross-country to visit in the summertime, and restaurants like waffle house are kinda special to me- it's a fond memory of mine of making midnight pit stops for some hot waffles and hash browns when you're kinda tired and hungry.
The ability of Waffle House food to absorb alcohol at 3 am is legendary.
I cannot overstate the number of awesome late night adventures I've had at this place. Every Waffle House seems to have it's own flair, yet a consistent vibe across the board. The number of times there have been drunk post-club patrons who have laughs with people they'll never see again is endless. Sometimes it is a bit slow on late nights, but when the right crowd of people are there, it's definitely a one of a kind experience, and possibly the truest essence of the concept of "southern hospitality."
Also, that I get the same order very time, yet seem to pay a slightly different price every time. Never enough to make a scene, but I just have noticed it after so many time eating there.
My grown son had a grand Mal seizure there and the whole restaurant came to his aid including the staff. This will always be my favorite restaurant.
I wish the vid talked about the culture of fights that break out in waffle houses. It's insane how often you hear about the brawls that break out. However if a customer starts it, you best believe there is a more than capable waffle house employee that'll end it.
I live in AZ so we're the furthest west that you'll see them. I went one time and it was a cozy vibe. The kind of culture of brawling in a restaurant like in the south, doesn't happen often out here.
Some of my best childhood memories are going to waffle house with my grandma. In my part of Tennessee it seems like a local tradition for pretty much everyone. Rich kids after prom, blue collar guys after work, families of all kinds. It's truly a cultural icon and I'm so glad they've managed to be so successful.
Love the video! I'm a waffle house manager in Tennessee and have worked for them for 13 years. It makes me happy to see them getting some recognition.
I used to live in Chattanooga and Franklin back in the 90s. Chattanooga in the first half of the decade and Franklin in 97.
The Chattanooga location my dad and I went to was off of shallowford rd right off of 75 and in Franklin off of Murfreesboro rd. Granted we only went to the one in Franklin once when my family moved there from st. Louis.
Never had a bad meal from there and its always super comforting to be in one.
Mom, can we create animated footage related to the subject the video is about?
Mom: We have animated footage at home.
The animated footage at home:
Fun fact, if you live in a “Hurricane Prone Area” and Waffle House close in your area before the storm EVACUATE YOUR AREA! Because corporate offices of Waffle House receive their information straight from NHC or National Hurricane Center. Before I got married, I used to get so many “One Night Stands” going to the restaurant after leaving the club lol 😂. Heck, I got more one night stands in Waffle House than I ever did hanging out at the club. One of my so called “Dates” got so obsessed with me after our night of pleasure, she stalked me for at least two years lol 😂. I even gave in and gave her what she wanted one more time, that was a DAMN MISTAKE 😂
Can't believe you didn't mention their emergency preparedness! They have plans in place for how to respond to a number of disaster scenarios, each location has an on-site generator and special, more-limited menus so they can keep on operating! Even the U.S. federal government uses a "Waffle House Index" to measure how bad a disaster is by if, and how, the Waffle Houses in an affected area are operating.
100% this. Waffle House is used to determine the severity of disasters. If the Waffle House is closed it's the worst of times.
@@threehatmarbo8272 If the Waffle House is closed, there’s either a nuclear apocalypse or you may just very well be the last human left on the planet. Either way if the waffle house is closed, something is BAD WRONG.
The crazy moment we reached Red Status during COVID...
Because it isn't as big as claimed. It was one guys barometer who worked for FEMA, it isn't an actual tool or indicator. Its mostly a marketing tool for Waffle House.
I am from Georgia, and I have been to Waffle House many times over the years. I think this video is well researched, considering even I learned a good bit about Waffle House. One thing I would like to emphasize is that nostalgia plays a big part in Waffle House’s success as well. My grandfather took his kids there, my dad took me there, and chances are, I will take my kid(s) there if I become a father.
Only had one truly bad Waffle House experience and it was in Nashville, TN. Was moving from VA to TX, driving my car and cat down to together. Stayed in a Nashville hotel with a WF next door. At 5:30 AM, figured I’d get a good start on the day…but go in and find only two employees and a local there. Get told they’re only doing take out orders and I have to wait outside until its ready. I ask what time they start serving normally, get told I could “try my luck” when the next shift got in at 7. Yeah….no. Grabbed a hotel muffin and drove on until I could get something at a gas station outside the city.
A white friend went into Waffle House in TN. The black female employee threw a coffee cup at him. He called the police. They pulled the security video. Waffle House made him a nice offer to settle within 12 hours. Racism goes all directions.
Probably the most satisfying meal I had in Florida outside Disney world. We were out sightseeing all day and went to Waffle House before we went back to the resort. We were tired and hungry, and the food was fast and delicious. It took 15 mins from the time our family of 4 ordered till when it got to the table, and the place was busy. Suffice to say, our server got a healthy tip.
There's this Waffle House I used to go to with my mom all the time when I was a kid. It was homey and there was this man who remembered us every time and always gave me a paper hat when we left. My last consistent visit there was when I was in middle school. I didn't go back to that place until my very last year in high school. Believe it or not, the same man was still working there and he remembered me and my mom. Before we even ordered, we just spent a good minute talking to each other and catching up. That right there I why Waffle House will always hold a special place in my heart. Sure, most of the food is so simple that you could literally make it a home, but let's me serious here. We don't go there for the food (mostly), we go there for the good time you know you'll have with familiar faces.
As a Floridian, I can tell you that if Waffle House closes during bad weather, then you know the weather is BAD
We stan Waffle House! I'm from MS, and we rarely ever thought about WH as a breakfast place; it was always a place that was always open, and when in college, it was the go to spot after parties! It's like a little place that doesn't take it self too serious nor too loose to not be a good food place. The food is cooked right in front of you, it is loud and noisy, folks are laughing and carrying on, and someone is always standing outside doing something like talking with their friends--but it's Waffle House, and it's supposed to feel like having breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast in a community.
I’ve lived in the south my whole life so WH is very dear to me. WH saved me and my friends from drunken hunger countless times. I’ve never seen a dirty restaurant, had an inaccurate order, or a rude server, but I swear they make up prices on the fly lol
Can confirm that Waffle House banked hard on car culture and won. My family is a bunch of road-trippers. The existence of a Waffle House near the hotel for breakfast in the morning has determined hotel choices for us purely because it's damn fast and damn consistent.
That lack luster “id like to hear what you have to say” is hilarious
One thing I like is that they serve everything on their menu anytime. You won’t see a better late night fight than at a Waffle House.
“We’re going to stay up all night swapping manly stories and in the morning we’re going to Waffle house”
They have a unique system for the servers placing orders with a language all their own. The cook responds to the order being shouted and arranges condiments on a plate in a certain manner to indicate what food will be prepared. Literally, the accuracy of your meal depends on the direction of the mayonnaise packet. There are no computers or print outs just a lot of hollerin' about smothered, covered, diced and chunked!
So true!
is this why i found a dirty jelly packet underneath my hashbrowns? man... bad way to do it imo
When I was in high school I worked full time. I'd get off work between midnight and 2 AM and had to go to school the next day. Since I was making some money I decided that once a week I would treat myself to a T Bone steak, hash browns, scrambled eggs, toast and a big glass of cold milk. This was 1982 - 1984 in Georgia. As we say back home, I was living "high on the hog" to eat there once a week. One of their competitors was Huddle House. Waffle house had good food, the people that worked there were great and friendly. It was like family to me. Good memories and good food.
0:33 haven’t watched the full video but my favorite part has to be when you say “which is a shame cause these are some pretty tasty waffles” followed with the use of the “depressed blond woman” b-roll.
Waffle House isn’t just a house, it’s a Waffle Home
The Waffle House index is an actually good metric to how you should take a Hurricane seriously in the South. Famously, Waffle House has emergency menus for all sorts of contingincies such as no water or no gas, so that they can still stay open and serve food (some of these basically come down to oatmeal). The local Waffle Houses here in Florida had to close up shop for a serious hurricane but they found that because of employee and manager turnover, nobody actually had any keys to close up the shops since the stores never close and it's just occupied from one employee to the next - so they all had to get emergency locksmiths to come out and reset the locks!
Was looking to see if anyone mentioned the Waffle House Index. Well done!
This is beyond true, I lived and worked at the waffle house near me and we only closed twice for two reasons.
1. A pretty severe tornado was passing by and my manager called everyone and told us all to stay home.
2. Someone did a drive by and was forced to close due to that. Happened on Christmas Eve as well.
Canay in the coal mine. If bombs start dropping with nuclear mushrooms somehow Waffle house will be closed up and we should then panic
@@texasscifi3431 its 2105
Most of America is a nulcear wasteland desert, but yet Waffle House is still open.
I'm surprised you went through the "always open" section and didn't mention the insane logistical accomplishments Waffle House has made to stay functional during disaster events. Waffle House is the benchmark for redundancy in many verticals--from shipping to IT.
"The Flavor of Love Girls. I love them.
They look like the 3am shift at the Jacksonville, Florida Waffle House"
Lisa Lampanelli
Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav
It's become a yearly tradition to take my dad, every year, for father's day, to the Waffle House. We only have a couple in this state, but it's always fun to go there. It's nostalgic for me, as that's where my dad used to take me when I was a kid, and mom had to work late. So, I tend to associate it with happy, nostalgic memories, plus the food is ALWAYS good, and fast. I don't think I've ever gotten bad food from a Waffle House.
Waffle House is so fun to me. I have gone with my husband every Christmas Eve for breakfast, sometimes we invite family, sometimes we go by ourselves. It's also where we go to eat on our way out of town on a road trip. Good memories, good times! Looking forward to this Christmas Eve!
Do you do "Breakfast for Dinner" on Christmas Eve, or just Breakfast that morning. I (almost) always order breakfast at TheWaffle, no matter what time of day!
@@JPDillon we do breakfast for breakfast!!! And after that we go over to my in-laws house to bake, play games, watch movies, wrap gifts, and spend the night. Very fun!
Just so you know, that’s a double edged sword for employees. When you’re hired at WH, you’re reminded repeatedly you MUST work every holiday, so consider that when you go, you’re keeping employees from their own families on holidays. OTOH! Most employees enjoy working holidays bc the tips are excellent and cooks get paid holiday pay. Just remember to be nice, be patient, and tip well above 20%. Enjoy your All Star!
Several years ago my grandmother and me were on a road trip to visit my cousin in Texas. We were driving from Ohio to Austin over the course of 2 days. The first day we stopped at Cracker Barrel in West Mephis AK. Food was terrible, servers were rude, and acted like we were going to run on the bill we went to the bathroom. So we kept on driving and stopped in Texarkana. We woke up early and right off the highway was a Waffle House. We decided to try our luck here for breakfast. It was about 6:30 and was filled with truckers about to start their day. They found us a table and were extremally friendly. My grandmother asked if they had any tomato juice, because thats what she drinks every morning but didnt see it on the menu. Server goes to the back and comes back with a can of it. We ate for about 45 minutes to wake up and drink coffee, then hit the road. Left them a decent tip on our way out as well.
One time I smoked a joint with a Waffle House cook during his break at like 2:30am, and when I tell you he made me the best breakfast I’ve ever had. I remember that meal till this day.