Waffle House, 1,764 locations (across 25 states)

It’s probably no surprise that I’m a fan of NPR and tend to listen most mornings and evenings when I’m in the car. One morning last week I heard an interview with the Andrew Knowlton, The Bon Appetit Restaurant Editor, about working at a Waffle House in Atlanta as a line cook for 24 straight hours. He said it was the hardest job he ever had and I whole heartedly believe him. After hearing this I got rather interested in trying one since I typically write them off. Tom also happens to be a huge fan and had no problem going on Sunday.

I went hungry as I wanted to try more than one thing! I ordered a Chocolate Chip Waffle, smothered and covered (code for onions & cheese) Hash Browns, and a Patty Melt on whole wheat toast (not Texas toast). I have to say my whole meal was delicious, a true brunch as I ate a little breakfast and a little lunch. We sat at the counter and I was instantly mesmerized by all that was going on in the open kitchen. You have the waffle station and the grill; a third of the grill for potatoes (all shredded in-house), a third for eggs (each cooked to order), and a third for meat. The line cooks also never see a piece of paper. They know what to cook and of course how to prepare it depending on where the condiments are placed on the plate. Talk about having to remember an insane amount!

I also learned two awesome fun facts** while I was there. One, all Waffle Houses are open 24 hours and only close if a disaster is truly horrible. Waffle House’s can operate when most cannot since they have some of the strongest generators around, there is actually a Waffle House Index used by FEMA to let people know how bad the damages are. And two, they do not discriminate from their employee’s past. So there you have it I am now a Waffle House enthusiast.

**Fun facts supplied by Tom Ream (his true passion in life).