May 27, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Waffle House.

From the outside, it seems to be the same old Waffle House. The sign and the colors are the same as they were 20 years ago. But something seems to have changed. Mary Frances mentioned a few weeks ago that The Waffle House is the main place for students from Jackson Prep, her school. The kids hang out there after performances or sporting events. She said it is like a home away from home. The place is always open and the workers are polite and attentive. I took notice because there is a Waffle House down the road on Old Canton Road. We pass it often but had never gone in because it looked so dowdy and dull. Last week on the way home from our doctor appointments we decided to go out for a late breakfast or early lunch so we decided to try The Waffle House, the one close to our home. No cars were in the lot. When we went in we were surprised. The interior has been done in black and white tile with cute vintage tables and chairs. The place sparkled. All the workers greeted us as we came into the empty restaurant. I ate breakfast as did our helper but Ken ordered a large lunch. The service was excellent as we were the only folks eating. And the food was good too. By the time we left, the place as still empty. I wonder how they would stay in business. April our other helper mentioned that The Waffle House is full at odd hours, such as midnight or 2:00am. She said that because they are open 24 hours a day, it has become the place to drop in for a small bite at an odd hour. Not long ago she went to a midnight movie. She and her friends popped into The Waffle House after the movie for a waffle. The place was packed and they had to wait for a table. I wondered why they left the outside looking the same while the inside sparkles. Must be a reason. And now I know they stay in business.