Leroy Massey Elementary School student Elena Young was the very first customer at the new Summerville Waffle House in January of 2024

Waffle House, the iconic Southern institution beloved for its round-the-clock service and comforting fare, is celebrating a remarkable 70th anniversary this week. The milestone marks seven decades since co-founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner first opened their doors on September 5, 1955, in Avondale Estates, Georgia, launching what would become a cultural phenomenon.

The Founders’ Enduring Vision Neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner envisioned a 24-hour restaurant that would combine the efficiency of fast food with the personal touch of table service, creating a welcoming environment for diners at any hour. Their philosophy of good food, fast, and friendly service quickly resonated with the community, laying the groundwork for a hospitality empire that prioritizes accessibility and connection.

Fans can indulge in a special Birthday Waffle, adorned with cake bits, confetti crunch, and whipped cream, available at participating locations for a limited time.
New Merchandise: A new line of 70th-anniversary merchandise is available for purchase, allowing loyal customers to sport their Waffle House pride.
Museum Event: An open house was held at the Waffle House Museum on September 6th, located at the original 1955 diner in Avondale Estates, offering free waffles and a nostalgic glimpse into the company’s humble beginnings and preserved history.

From its lone diner in Avondale Estates, Waffle House has blossomed into a ubiquitous Southern institution, now boasting nearly 2,000 restaurants across 25 states. Beyond its impressive growth, Waffle House has cemented its place as a cultural landmark, celebrated for its unwavering 24/7 service, affordable comfort food, and deep commitment to community. Its reliability is so renowned that it even inspired the “Waffle House Index” – an informal metric used by FEMA to gauge the severity of a disaster based on how many Waffle Houses in an affected area are open and operational.

Georgia, the state where it all began, continues to lead the nation in Waffle House presence, with 447 locations as of August 2025, accounting for approximately 22% of all Waffle House restaurants nationwide. This enduring local popularity was further underscored by the opening of a new Waffle House in Summerville in January of 2024, continuing the tradition of bringing signature waffles and hash browns to more communities.

As Waffle House looks back on seven decades of serving up hot coffee, crispy hash browns, and boundless community spirit, its legacy as an accessible, comforting haven remains as strong as ever. Here’s to many more years of the yellow sign shining bright, welcoming everyone, at any hour.