Waffle House - Flowery Branch

What can I say? It's Waffle House. The food was great, just like always, and the service was quick.

After we placed our order, I expected the dirty tables to be cleared soon, but they remained uncleared when we left. I also saw the waitress on her cell phone while taking an order from a couple who had just sat at the counter. Now, about the food. Two of us ordered waffles, which were served undercooked, pale, and limp. The others ordered egg and bacon sandwiches, which looked burnt and greasy. It had been years since I last visited a Waffle House, and this experience will make it a long time before I return. It’s a shame since this location is new. Honestly, one star is already too generous!

The restaurant is very new and immaculate. The food was prepared just as I requested.

There is a specific cook at this establishment. I didn’t catch his name, and he wasn’t rude at all. However, I witnessed him blowing his nose outdoors during his break in a manner reminiscent of my grandfather—without a napkin—right at the restaurant's entryway. On my last visit, he ended up getting mucus on his shirt, and a customer had to help him locate it before he headed to his car. Afterward, he returned inside, grabbed a few napkins from a table dispenser (the same one customers use), went back outside to finish the job and then WALKED STRAIGHT BACK TO THE GRILL. He then touched numerous items that customers directly engage with—first the take-out cups, then the drink area, and finally, he returned to the cooking space and PUT ON GLOVES. While he was wearing gloves while cooking, he still put them on with those same unwashed, contaminated hands. I can’t say how long he had been working or if this was a one-time occurrence, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn't wash his hands after similar breaks. To make matters worse, the food was not well-cooked during my visit. I can’t solely blame this incident on this cook, as I ordered takeout from the restaurant a few weeks ago, and the food was inedible then as well. However, the unsanitary habits I witnessed are solely his responsibility. He is certainly old enough to know better, yet I doubt he realizes the risk he is putting customers in with such actions. I sincerely hope management addresses this issue before someone becomes seriously ill and connects it to this restaurant and this cook. I would recommend avoiding this place for now until the situation is resolved.

I absolutely love this location! The staff is friendly and kind. Just a heads up—bring a jacket because it’s always a bit chilly inside! A big thank you to the cook, the team, and the greeter!