Waffle House is one of the most recognized restaurant signs in the American South. Those yellow block letters mean one thing: hot food, any hour. But the chain started small, with two neighbors and one diner in a Georgia town. Here is the Waffle House history, from 1955 to today.
Who Founded Waffle House?
Waffle House was founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, who were neighbors in the Atlanta area. Their idea was simple: a friendly neighborhood restaurant that people could enjoy 24 hours a day.
Both founders passed away in 2017: Joe Rogers Sr. in March, at age 97, and Tom Forkner in April.
The First Waffle House
The first Waffle House opened over Labor Day weekend in 1955 at 2719 East College Avenue in Avondale Estates, Georgia, just east of Atlanta.
That building still stands. Today it is the Waffle House Museum, known as Unit No. 1. It holds open house days a few times a year, and the dates are posted on the official Waffle House website.
Waffle House Timeline
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1955 | First Waffle House opens in Avondale Estates, Georgia |
| 1960 | The fourth restaurant opens and Waffle House starts franchising |
| Late 1960s | The chain reaches 27 stores, then grows fast along the interstates |
| 2007 | Waffle House buys back the original building and restores it as a museum |
| 2010s | FEMA leader Craig Fugate’s “Waffle House Index” becomes famous |
| 2017 | Co-founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner pass away |
| 2025 | Waffle House turns 70 and launches its own delivery service |
| Today | Over 2,000 restaurants in 25 states, headquartered in Norcross, Georgia |
How Waffle House Grew
Waffle House spread alongside America’s interstate highways. Travelers needed a place to eat at any hour, and a bright yellow sign by the exit ramp became a familiar sight across the South.
The company kept its stores small, its menu short and its kitchens open so customers could watch the cook. That simple model made it easy to open new locations and keep food consistent.
Why Is Waffle House Open 24/7?
Being open around the clock was part of the plan from day one. Waffle House stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Stores close only when it is unsafe, like during severe storms. More in our Waffle House hours guide.
The Waffle House Index
Because Waffle House works so hard to stay open during storms, former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate used it as an informal sign of how badly an area was hit. Open with a full menu means green. Open with a limited menu means yellow. Closed means red. Read the full story in our Waffle House Index guide.
Fun Facts About Waffle House
- Waffles and hashbrowns are the top sellers. Our hashbrowns guide covers all nine ways to order them.
- Cooks don’t use paper tickets. They track orders with a code of condiment packets on the plate. See the Waffle House marking system.
- Servers “call” orders out loud in their own language. Learn it in our Waffle House lingo guide.
- There are no pancakes. It’s a waffle house, after all. Here’s more.
- Waffle House turned 70 in 2025. The celebration included free waffles and a limited birthday cake waffle.
- Not every state has one. See the states without a Waffle House.
Waffle House Today
Today Waffle House runs over 2,000 restaurants across 25 states from its headquarters in Norcross, Georgia. The menu has grown a little, with Texas melts, Angus burgers and steak plates, but the core is the same as in 1955: waffles, eggs, coffee and a seat at the counter.
Since September 2025, you can also order Waffle House delivery from participating locations.
FAQ
When was Waffle House founded?
Waffle House was founded in 1955. The first restaurant opened over Labor Day weekend that year.
Where was the first Waffle House?
In Avondale Estates, Georgia, at 2719 East College Avenue. The building is now the Waffle House Museum.
Who owns Waffle House?
Waffle House is a private company based in Norcross, Georgia. It was founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner.
How many Waffle Houses are there?
Over 2,000 locations in 25 states. Find one near you on our Waffle House near me page.
