Ripley’s likes to shed light on extraordinary things that are generally found ordinary or a common. And to those ends, what can be more commonplace than Waffle House ?
Granted, Waffle House is a staple of the South, so it may not be too common for our Yankee readers, but you can’t drive very far in the South without seeing that telltale yellow sign. And yet there’s still some question about exactly how much we really know about this longstanding breakfast establishment.
For example, did you know Waffle House has been in operation since 1955? The restaurant has made a name for itself by ensuring it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They even have a plan in place to stay open during natural disasters!
But most surprising of all might be the fact that Waffle House has its own record label !
Waffle Records has been in effect since the mid-1980s. Contrary to what you may assume, it’s not just about advertising; it’s about ambiance.
It’s about our food. It’s about our people. It’s about the things that happen if you just sit in a Waffle House and listen to the conversations around you. -Shelby White, Head of Waffle Records
You can get a good glimpse of what Waffle Records is trying to achieve by listening to one of their most popular songs, “There are Raisins in My Toast.”
We’re not trying to get played on the radio. If anyone wants to play it, that’s great, but it’s all about inside the restaurant.
It’s good that the people behind Waffle Records have kept their expectations low since I don’t think they’ll be rocketing up the Billboard 100 charts anytime soon. But making art for art’s sake is often its own reward.
The songs were originally recorded with the intention of being pressed into vinyl and placed in Waffle House jukeboxes across the country. Now’s it’s all digital, of course, but Waffle House’s dedication to the old school diner atmosphere means you can still find the music available to be played at any location.
In the event you aren’t at a Waffle House anytime soon, here are a few examples of their songs. But I warn you, if you listen to them on an empty stomach, you might be filled with the desire to head to your nearest Waffle House and get breakfast.
