The Brief
- Waffle House accepts reservations only on Valentine’s Day, transforming roughly 200 locations with white tablecloths and candlelight.
- The tradition began in 2008 in Johns Creek after a manager noticed a surge in holiday couples.
- Despite upscale decor and curated music, the restaurant maintains its core menu and signature ordering lingo.
NORCROSS, Ga. – Waffle House is the quintessential no-frills 24-hour Southern diner. It is the measure for severe weather and the savior of late-night food cravings. But it has a romantic side too.
Waffle House: Smothered in love
The backstory:
For 364 days of the year, it has a… reputation. But for one day out of the year, the soft yellow glow of the Waffle House sign is a beacon of love and the earth-tone laminate tabletops are replaced with white tablecloths and candlelight.
February 14, more commonly known as Valentine’s Day, is a day of love and romance. In 2008, the Johns Creek location elevated it to a cultural phenomenon. According to the Norcross-based company, a local manager noticed a surge of couples dining at the restaurant on Valentine’s Day and decided to take it to the next level.
Scattered Waffle House locations
Big picture view:…