Waffles are a staple of American breakfast, and no one does breakfast quite like Waffle House.
With over 2,100 restaurants scattered across 25 states and offering a wide variety of breakfast options, it’s no wonder that people are interested in opening their own Waffle House franchise.
From the beginning, Waffle House had a simple mission: to provide a delicious and convenient breakfast meal that would leave customers satisfied and smiling.
They have been doing just that for over 60 years, and as a Waffle House franchisee, you would have the opportunity to be part of this cherished and successful American tradition.
So what does it take to become a Waffle House franchisee? In this article, we’ll cover all the details you need to know — from how much an opening franchise costs and the requirements for opening one to the kind of training and support you can expect from the company.
About The Waffle House Franchise
Waffle House is an iconic American restaurant chain renowned for its breakfast-style eats and timeless Southern charm.
Founded in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955, Waffle House has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved and recognizable restaurants in the United States.
Known for its cheap yet flavorful morning meals and laid-back atmosphere, Waffle House has been referenced in popular music and literature for decades.
At a typical Waffle House, you’ll find hot breakfast platters prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to order, along with classic side dishes like grits and hash browns.
All meals are served with signature waffles — golden-brown perfection that you can enjoy plain or topped with one of the restaurant’s many delicious syrups.
The menu also includes coffee, juice, sandwiches, salads, and other lunchtime favorites for those looking for something beyond breakfast options.
Also Read: How Much Does A Krispy Kreme Franchise Owner Make?
Waffle House History
Waffle House began humbly when two neighbors, Joe Rogers Sr., and Tom Forkner, had a vision of creating a 24-hour, sit-down restaurant that could combine the speed of fast food with table service.
The pair opened their first Waffle House in 1955 on Labor Day weekend in Avondale Estates, Georgia.
Forkner suggested naming the restaurant “Waffle House,” as waffles were the most profitable item on their 16-item menu.
Soon after opening their first restaurant, word began to spread about how delicious and affordable their breakfast options were.
As popularity grew, Forkner and Rogers decided to begin franchising in 1960 and slowly grew to 27 stores by the late 1960s.
After that point, growth accelerated exponentially, and there are now over 2,100 restaurants across 25 states in the United States.
Franchise Model Table
As per Kim Crook, A support analyst at Waffle House, They do not franchise to the general public, and they have not opened a new franchise in 53 years. As a privately owned company, they do not offer franchises.
How Much Does It Cost To Open A Waffle House Franchise?
As stated in the previous message, Waffle House does not franchise to the general public, and it has not opened a new franchise in 53 years. Therefore, there is no information available regarding the cost to open a Waffle House franchise.
Why Waffle House Doesn’t Franchise?
Waffle House does not franchise to the general public and only allows current franchise owners to expand their business. The reason for this is unclear, as the company has not released an official statement.
However, according to Atlanta Magazine, the company has very strict rules and conditions for franchise ownership, making it difficult for interested parties to qualify. Additionally, the company may prefer to maintain control over all aspects of its business and brand by not franchising to the general public.
Waffle House Comparison
| Company | Waffle House | Cheesecake Factory |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1950 | 1972 |
| Initial Investment | $600,000- $1,000,000 (Not available to General Public) | $150,000-$700,000 |
| Franchise-Fee | $200,000 – $300,000 (Not available to General Public) | N/A |
| Total Outlets | 1900 | 307 |
| Annual Revenue | $1 Billion | $2.93 Billion |
Conclusion
Waffle House has been a long-standing player in the restaurant industry and is known for its high customer service and quality standards.
By joining this franchise, you can benefit from a well-established brand that comes with access to training resources, support from corporate team members, and an extensive suite of tools to help manage business costs.
Note that Waffle House is extremely selective when it comes to awarding franchises, and usually, you need to know some people on the inside to get a shot.
With that said, if you’re looking for a great opportunity to own and operate your own business in the restaurant industry, Waffle House could be the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waffle House offer Franchise?
Yes, Waffle House offers a lucrative franchise opportunity to entrepreneurs.
How much does a Waffle House Franchise Cost?
Opening a Waffle House franchise requires an investment of $121,400 – $1,787,700 and an additional $200,000 to $300,000 (Not available to the General Public) as an initial franchise fee.
Is Opening A Waffle House Franchise A Good Investment?
Opening a Waffle House franchise is a great way to own and operate your own business in the restaurant industry.
With that said, due to the company’s strict requirements and selection process, it is not an easy task.
Who Are The Owners Of Waffle House?
Waffle House was founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955.
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.