For one day only, the Waffle House Museum is open and free
Scattered, smothered and covered. By now, every Atlantan knows these words are synonymous with Waffle House.
The iconic diner has been a staple of southern culture for generations. Its praises have been sung by culinary legends such as Anthony Bourdain, rapper 2 Chainz, Southern Living magazine and on the AMC show “Halt and Catch Fire.” In addition, the Bitter Southerner published “Waffle House Vistas,” a book celebrating the views from diner windows around the south. The original location is even registered on the Georgia Historical Society list of historic sites. And now, for the first time since 2019, you can visit the franchise’s original restaurant and museum for free at its open house event.
Located in Decatur at 2719 E College Ave, the open house will take place this Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can take a free tour and taste free waffle samples from the Waffle House Food Truck.
The Waffle House Museum is located on the site of the first Waffle House restaurant, which opened more than 60 years ago in 1955 after two neighbors, Joe Rogers, Sr. and Tom Forkner, decided that Avondale Estates needed a 24-hour restaurant. Today, the chain they founded has 1900 locations in 25 states, all open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Waffle House’s website.
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The museum has been restored to feel like you are stepping back into the 50′s, complete with a vintage restaurant counter, hats, uniforms, menus and other promotional items such as special edition pins. What guests won’t find are many pictures.
Pat Warner, the company’s director of public relations and external affairs, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2019 that the founders never expected the chain to become so large, so they didn’t bother.
“They always say they thought they’d open 10 and then go fishing,” Warner said.
The museum is not open to the public on a daily basis, even in pre-pandemic times, so the open house is kind of a big deal. However, if you can’t make the pilgrimage this weekend, private tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Book yours by visiting wafflehouse.com.
Waffle House Museum
Location: Decatur - 2719 E College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030; Website: wafflehouse.com
About the Author
Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. She enjoys film photography and live music in her free time. Reach her at avery.newmark@ajc.com.
