Q: What’s the story behind Waffle House? Was the first one really in Atlanta?
A: Call it late-night – or early-morning -- dining, hangover food, comfort food, but Waffle House is an Atlanta institution. Neighbors Joe Rogers and Tom Forkner opened the first Waffle House at 2719 East College Avenue in Avondale Estates on Labor Day 1955. And Waffle House cooks have been scattering, smothering and covering ever since. Rogers was working for a restaurant chain called Toddle House and Forkner was in real estate when they decided Atlanta needed a 24-hour restaurant. Their formula was a success, and even though they didn't have plans to expand, they had two locations in 1957. That doubled to four by 1961, and Forkner and Rogers soon began to franchise, with the chain growing to 27 restaurants by the late '60s. Of course, now the joke is you can't get off an interstate in the South without seeing that familiar yellow sign. But Waffle House also is beginning to get back to its urban roots, as evidenced by recent openings in Midtown Atlanta and downtown Athens. The original Waffle House was sold in the 1970s, but the privately held company, which is headquartered near Norcross, bought the building and turned it into a museum dedicated to the restaurant. There are now more than 1,600 locations in 25 states, according to the Waffle House's website, and if Valentine's Day snuck up on you, several are offering reservations for you and your special someone.
Q: Was NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown born in Georgia?
A: Brown, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, was born on St. Simons Island on Feb. 17, 1936. His father left the family about two weeks after he was born, according to an ESPN.com article, and his mother moved to take a job as a maid on Long Island, N.Y., when Brown was about 2. Brown was raised by his great-grandmother and grandmother until he was 8, when Brown went to live with his mother in New York. He became a star at Manhasset High School and then at Syracuse before leading the NFL in rushing eight times in nine years with the Cleveland Browns.
What do you want to know about Georgia?
If you’re new in town or have questions about this special place we call home, ask us! E-mail Andy Johnston at q&a@ajc.com.
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