Who Owns Waffle House?
Waffle House is a private company, still controlled by the families of its founders and headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. It has never sold shares on the stock market.
How it started
Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened the first Waffle House on Labor Day weekend in 1955 in Avondale Estates, near Atlanta. Their idea was a restaurant that combined fast food speed with table service, open around the clock. The name came from the most profitable item on the menu.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1955, Avondale Estates, Georgia |
| Founders | Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner |
| Ownership | Private, led by the Rogers family |
| Headquarters | Norcross, Georgia |
| Restaurants | About 1,900 in roughly 25 states |
| Hours | 24 hours a day, 365 days a year |
Is Waffle House a franchise?
Partly. Most Waffle House restaurants are owned and run by the company itself, and a minority are run by franchisees. That mix helps the company keep tight standards on speed, cooking and its famous ordering language, where hash browns can be ordered scattered, smothered, covered and more.
Why has it stayed private?
Staying private lets Waffle House operate on its own terms. It does little national advertising, keeps a simple menu and plans for the long term rather than for quarterly results. The company is also famously quiet with the press, which adds to its mystique.
How big is Waffle House?
There are around 1,900 Waffle House restaurants across about 25 states, and the chain is one of the largest breakfast restaurant brands in the country by location count. See prices for waffles, hash browns and All Star Specials on the Waffle House menu.
Related Questions
Is Waffle House publicly traded?
No. Waffle House is privately owned and has never sold shares on the stock market.
Where is Waffle House headquartered?
Norcross, Georgia, near Atlanta.
When did the first Waffle House open?
On Labor Day weekend in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia.
Who founded Waffle House?
Neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner.
How many Waffle House restaurants are there?
About 1,900, across roughly 25 states.
Is Waffle House a franchise?
Most restaurants are company operated, but some are run by franchisees.
More on Waffle House
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Waffle House, Inc. Company details come from public sources. See current prices on the Waffle House menu.
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