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First Waffle House to Receive Historical Marker
SAVANNAH, Ga., August 29, 2012 – The Georgia Historical Society, in partnership with the Waffle House, the City of Avondale Estates and the Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority, will dedicate a historical marker for the first Waffle House on Sat., Sept. 8, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Waffle House Museum (2719 E. College Ave., Decatur, Ga.).
In 1955, neighbors Joe Rogers, Sr. and Tom Forkner founded the first Waffle House restaurant in Avondale Estates, Ga. The restaurant, whose name was inspired by the most popular item on the original menu, focused on fast-food speed and round-the-clock service.
“We never dreamed that Waffle House would be as big as it is today when we opened our doors in 1955,” said Rogers. “In the beginning, we thought we would open about 10 locations and then go fishing.”
“I’m proud that we began this journey 57 years ago in my home town of Avondale Estates and we are fortunate to still be part of this great community with Unit 1,000 and the Waffle House Museum,” said Forkner.
In 2004, Waffle House reacquired the original restaurant building and opened it as a museum. The Waffle House Museum features Waffle House memorabilia from the past 57 years and is open for free tours on select Saturday’s. Since its creation, Waffle House has grown to include over 1,600 locations nationwide, becoming an American cultural icon open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“During the past 50 years, Georgia has played an important role in the development of our nation’s economy,” said Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO. “The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to be able to install this historical marker about the founding and growth of one of our state’s most significant and legendary corporations, Waffle House, and the crucial role it has played in fueling the American economy.”
The Georgia Historical Society has administered Georgia’s statewide marker program since 1998, erecting over 180 historical markers across Georgia on a wide variety of subjects.