By 1949, Forkner Realty, a family business led by Tom Forkner, had become a prosperous real estate company in Avondale Estates, a burgeoning middle-class suburb with easy access to major roads.

Forkner Realty Success in Avondale Estates

In 1949, Tom Forkner, a real estate businessman, sold a home to Joe Rogers, Sr. near his own in Avondale Estates, leading to the two founders meeting and becoming friends.

Meeting of Joe Rogers, Sr. and Tom Forkner

The very first Waffle House opened on Labor Day weekend in 1955, specifically on September 3rd.

The Opening of the First Waffle House

Forkner and Rogers opened the first Waffle House at 2719 E. College Avenue on Labor Day in 1955 after combining their savings to build-out a restaurant.

Opening of Waffle House #1

In 1955, Tom Forkner and Joe Rogers Sr. opened the first Waffle House in Avondale Estates, Georgia, which later became a beloved 24/7 breakfast spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and community connections.

Opening of the First Waffle House

On Labor Day in 1955, the first Waffle House restaurant opened in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Co-founders Joe Rogers, Sr., and Tom Forkner established it as a 24-hour sit-down eatery with a focus on customer service.

Opening of the First Waffle House Restaurant

On September 5, 1955, Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened the first Waffle House restaurant in Avondale Estates, Georgia. The restaurant quickly became known for its 24-hour service and friendly atmosphere.

Waffle House opened in Avondale Estates, Georgia

In 1956, Joe Rogers Sr., who was associated with Toddle House, handed over his stake in Waffle House to Tom Forkner to prevent conflicts of interest.

Joe Rogers Sr. hands over stake to Tom Forkner

The second Waffle House location opened in 1957 in Midtown Atlanta, originally known as Wagon Wheel. It was situated on the ground floor of the Southern Bell Office building at 10th and Peachtree. The building has since been demolished and the site is now part of the Margaret Mitchell House property.

Waffle House #2, Midtown Atlanta

The third Waffle House location opened in 1958 at 3198 Glenwood Rd in the Candler-Glenwood Shopping Center. Initially, there were no plans to expand beyond the first restaurant, but this location marked the beginning of Waffle House's expansion. It was situated in a small strip mall on the corner of Candler and Glenwood Road.

Waffle House #3, Candler-Glenwood Shopping Center

In 1959, Waffle House opened its fourth restaurant at 1244 Clairmont Road in Decatur. The building where this location was established still exists today.

Waffle House #4 Opens on Clairmont Road

In 1960, Waffle House started franchising its establishments, leading to rapid growth with 27 stores by the late 1960s.

Waffle House begins franchising

In 1961, Avondale Estates contractor Paul Schulte built the first standalone Waffle House on Moreland Avenue in East Atlanta. The unique design featured an A-frame roof and grey brick exterior.

First Standalone Waffle House Built by Paul Schulte

In 1962, the seventh Waffle House location opened in East Point at 1674 Washington St. It introduced the familiar yellow color scheme and 'shoebox' design, allowing for more seating and an expanded prep area.

Waffle House #7 in East Point

The first Waffle House location in Avondale Estates, Georgia, which opened in 1955, now serves as the Waffle House Museum. In the early days, it also offered Chick-Fil-A sandwiches to customers.

Waffle House Museum Established at the First Location

Waffle House #11 opened in 1966 at 4966 Buford Highway in Chamblee and operated until 2011.

Opening of Waffle House #11

By 1967, Waffle House had grown into a $3,000,000 business with 25 franchises spread across three states. This rapid expansion was fueled by the franchising model adopted by the company.

Waffle House becomes a $3,000,000 business with 25 franchises

The transformation of the first Waffle House into a museum occurred between September 3, 1955, and January 1, 1980.

Transition of Waffle House into a Museum

In 2007, the original Waffle House restaurant, divested in the early 1970s, was reacquired and transformed into an internal corporate museum.

Reacquisition of the original Waffle House restaurant

In 2008, the original Waffle House location in Avondale Estates was reopened as a museum, offering visitors a nostalgic journey back to the 1950s and showcasing the history of the iconic restaurant chain.

Opening of the Waffle House Museum

In 2008, Waffle House, Inc. acquired North Lake Foods, a significant franchise in the southeastern region, which had faced financial challenges.

Acquisition of North Lake Foods by Waffle House, Inc.

In 2017, the founders of Waffle House, Tom Forkner and Joe Rogers Sr., passed away, leaving behind a legacy of creating a nationwide phenomenon with over 1,500 locations known for their community-oriented approach and comfort food offerings.

Passing of Tom Forkner and Joe Rogers Sr.

In 2017, both founding figures of Waffle House, Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, passed away within a span of fewer than two months.

Passing of Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner

In 2017, Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner, the founders of Waffle House, passed away just a month apart from each other. Their legacy continues through the chain of restaurants they established.

Waffle House, a prominent American restaurant chain, delved into the music industry by establishing its own record label called Waffle Records. The label featured songs that were carefully curated to maintain a non-commercial sound and were played on Waffle House jukeboxes.

Waffle House Launches Waffle Records

Waffle House founded in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner started the iconic 24-hour diner.

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