The pandemic continues and with it comes limited hours and extra safety precautions. I wondered, though, even in a world where the operating times weren’t just 6 A.M. to 2 P.M., would anyone be hanging out late into the night still?

The retail store I worked at closed at 9 PM. On an ideal shift, when no one was being difficult, I was out of there at 10. I could be at Kings Waffle with a fresh pack of Camels and warm coffee by 10:20. After the post-amusement park rush died down, I could then order some food and talk with Kelli. That is, only if it was “Kelli Week.”

I gripped the handle and kept an eye on the rolling, digital numbers. Right around $10, I let go of the pump. “That oughta be good for now,” I figured, just enough gas to get me by until the next payday. I hopped in the car and got ready to head towards my job of the moment. It wasn’t a bad gig by any means, but it was a stop gap—a situation I had never thought I’d find myself in. As I got ready for another night of anxiety surrounding my future and pretending I knew how to sell shoes, a Fed Ex truck passed me and my phone rang.

It was...

Sometimes Kings Waffle manifests itself in physical form, not just in people.

Some quality folks to sip coffee with.

Oftentimes at Kings Waffle, the distinction of employee and friend is/was blurry. People who worked there became friends. Friends who you met there became employees. There were even a few who regularly rotated between both categories (and that’s not at all to say that an employee couldn’t be a friend, just that some folks fluctuated). I even once considered putting in a job application at times—if I was there enough anyways and I needed some extra cash, why not learn how to cook or serve tables?

My best guess?

Even if the place wasn’t shut down with padlocks on the door, I’d still probably not know anybody inside. There’s a good chance I might still recognize some of the regulars or an employee, but I don’t know if they’d remember me. I haven’t been here in awhile. Nevertheless, on this day, at this time—Kings Waffle is where I want to be.

After years of sitting at the low counter and the “stoop” (curb) out front with everyone, I started writing about Waffle House, our Waffle House. At the time, I needed that specific Waffle House more than ever.