Things to Do

What Atlanta’s weather forced Waffle House to do

The so-called Waffle House Index really is a thing, according to FEMA. Pictured is a Waffle House in Dekalb County.  (John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com)
The so-called Waffle House Index really is a thing, according to FEMA. Pictured is a Waffle House in Dekalb County. (John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com)
By Jennifer Brett
Jan 17, 2018

Metro Atlanta-based Waffle House is such a stalwart in the storm that it’s actually sort of an official weather barometer. The so-called Waffle House Index really is a thing as FEMA explains on its site.

"If a Waffle House store is open and offering a full menu, the index is green," the article notes. "If it is open but serving from a limited menu, it’s yellow. When the location has been forced to close, the index is red. Because Waffle House is well-prepared for disasters… it’s rare for the index to hit red."

In Atlanta, Waffle Houses aren't seeing red .. but neither are they in the green, either.

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"Due to limited food supplies during storms, we sometimes go to the limited menu," the chain's official account tweeted in response to a customer who noticed items missing from the menu. "We're working hard to get back to the regular menu as soon as we can!"

One guy was really sad about it:

Despite the pared-down offerings, many customers remain grateful for the meals Waffle House employees are able to provide:

Stick with Channel 2for the latest on weather updates including road conditions, school closings, flight delays or cancelations and more. And be sure you have the most recent version of the WSB appto make sure you're constantly informed.

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