If you’ve spent much time driving on the interstates, especially in the south, there’s a chance you’ve driven by a Waffle House or two. This popular restaurant chain dominates the southern states and can be an excellent spot to stop for a quick bite to eat.
However, even if you dine at Waffle House frequently, you could be breaking one of the seven deadly sins of eating at Waffle House.
Luckily, people know the south for its hospitality. Many southerners would extend grace and treat you with a “Bless your heart.” So let’s get back on the straight and narrow when dining at Waffle House!
The History of Waffle House?
If it weren’t for neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, the world wouldn’t have Waffle House. Tom and Joe started this budget-friendly restaurant chain in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia. According to their corporate website, their goal was to “open a 24-hour, sit-down restaurant for their friends and neighbors, focused on people on both sides of the counter.”
Customers quickly embraced the new restaurant style, and the two neighbors established themselves as a driving force in the restaurant industry.
The chain has grown immensely over almost 70 years, but its associates and customers are still its primary focus. Joe Rogers Sr. once said, “We aren’t in the food business. We’re in the people business.”
How Many Waffle Houses Are There?
Currently, there are over 1,900 Waffle House locations in 25 states. Every Waffle House is open 24 hours and seven days a week. Whether you need a delicious breakfast or a midnight snack, Waffle House will be ready for you.
If you’re awake and need a bite to eat, Waffle House can cook something fresh and delicious in no time.
Does Waffle House Have a Secret Menu?
Waffle House has several secret menu items. Many of these items once appeared on the menu, but Waffle House no longer promotes them. However, if you ask for them by name, you might still receive them. Some of their secret menu items include Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Double D’s, Custom Sandwiches, Pecan Waffles, and every southerner’s favorite, an Arnold Palmer.
Don’t be afraid to put Waffle House’s southern hospitality to the test if you’re in the mood for something specific. They might make it happen for you!
7 Deadly Sins of Eating At Waffle House
If you want the best dining experience at Waffle House, you must avoid committing these seven deadly sins. Let’s dive in and get started!
1. Thinking You Can’t Eat Healthily
Waffle House typically doesn’t have a reputation for being the healthiest eating option. They serve up a high amount of syrup and butter-covered waffles daily. However, don’t think you can’t eat healthy just because you’re eating at Waffle House. The restaurant offers various egg and waffle options they can prepare a specific way.
The marketing materials show the waffles covered in butter or syrup, but it doesn’t mean you have to follow their example. You can have a much healthier meal by opting not to lather your food in calories. Your diet doesn’t have to go out the window just because you’re eating at a Waffle House.
2. Not Ordering a Waffle
While there aren’t many options for your waffle, you can choose the classic waffle or spice it up with toppings like peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or pecans. It’s the most popular item on the menu for a good reason.
They’ve practically perfected the art of churning out crispy, heavenly waffles.
While many delicious items are on the menu, it’s hard to beat their waffles. After all, it is “Waffle House.” So don’t commit this sin, especially if it’s your first visit!
3. Ignoring the Waffle House Hash Brown Code
You don’t only order hash browns at Waffle House. Ordering hash browns at Waffle House can be intimidating for first-time guests. However, Waffle House employees are quick to forgive and will help ensure your hash browns come the way you like them.
You must know a few terms to familiarize yourself with the Waffle House hash brown code. First, plain hash browns go by the name “scattered.” They receive this name because of how the chef “scatters” them across the grill while preparing them.
If you want your hashbrowns with griddled onions, they’re “smothered.” Want a slice of cheese on your hashbrowns? Ask for them to be “covered.” The most delicious of all is to ask for them “country” style, including some of their gravy.
We may have intimidated you with the idea of ordering hash browns from Waffle House. However, the employees are excellent at what they do and will help walk you through your options. If you want to brush up on the hash brown variations at Waffle House, check out the article by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. They go into detail regarding every option.
4. Using a Credit Card
In an urge to resist the cashless society, Waffle House held out from accepting credit cards for as long as possible. Until 2006, the restaurants were cash-only. In fact, some employees have shared that they had the option of receiving their paychecks in cash instead of a paper check. Many of their holiday bonuses were in cash.
Waffle House will gladly accept your major credit card, but the purist in us encourages you to use cash when paying your bill. It’s a nod to the original feel of the restaurant. Since many of us rarely see cash these days, it can take you back to a time when the pace of life was slower, with less technology.
5. Thinking It’s for Regular Folks
You might think that because Waffle House is a budget-friendly place, celebrities, and other famous people would eat elsewhere. However, you’ll hear references to Waffle House in music from stars like Jay Z, Gucci Mane, Future, and 2Chainz.
Many of these musicians grew up in conditions that made going to Waffle House a special treat. Despite their fame and fortune, the restaurant chain still holds a special place in these celebrities’ hearts.
6. Ignoring Safety
Sometimes Waffle House gets a bad reputation, mainly due to some locations being in rather sketchy neighborhoods. It also doesn’t help that these locations remain open 24 hours. Sometimes the early morning hours can bring out unusual behavior in people. Many will often run to Waffle House to end a night of partying, which can quickly turn it into a less than family-friendly environment.
You should always pay attention to your safety when eating out in public, including at Waffle House. Avoid wearing headphones while walking around, and carry the necessary protection to keep you safe. Bad things can happen anytime, but events like the 2018 Waffle House shooting in Nashville are rare.
7. Not Picking Up a Job Application
Everybody wants to work for an employer that appreciates them. When it comes to appreciating employees, Waffle House does an incredible job. They care for their employees by offering them flexible schedules, generous pay, and excellent benefits.
One unique benefit is that management can work six days and have two guaranteed days off. They also love to promote from within and provide generous amounts of training.
They offer health insurance, vacation time, paid maternity leave, and stock options. If you’re looking for a job, it may be worth picking up an application on your next visit!
(And, One More) Ordering Too Much Food
Their menu contains delicious food, and the portions are very generous. It can be challenging to decide what you want to eat.
Luckily, Waffle House provides to-go boxes, allowing you to take what you can’t eat home with you. Even if you have to pass on an item that you want, it means you’ll have to come back soon so you can give it a try.
Avoid the Seven Deadly Sins of Eating at Waffle House
By this point, your mouth is probably watering, and you’re grabbing your phone to look for the nearest Waffle House.
If you avoid these seven deadly sins of eating at Waffle House, you will surely have an incredible meal. You may see why so many people love and continue to dine at Waffle House. If you’ve been to Waffle House, what’s the go-to item that you order?
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