Say What? Waffle House Has Its Own Record Label!

Many musicians venture into the world of food, whether they're writing cookbooks or opening restaurants. But the cultural exchange goes both ways: Waffle House, the diner chain with a cult following, has been dabbling in the music business for the past 30 years, according to NPR.

From gospel to rock 'n' roll to bluegrass to Beach Boys–esque jingles, the record label offers a little something for everyone. There's even a slow jam reminiscent of '90s R&B, "Waffle House for You and Me," for all those couples out there spending Valentine's Day — or any romantic night — at the Waffle House.

These aren't just commercial jingles, however. One of the producers on the label, Jerry Buckner, told NPR that "if it sounded too much like a commercial, it got the ax."

According to Buckner, the tunes would be pressed on vinyl 45s after being recorded and included in Waffle House jukeboxes, which also housed non–Waffle Records music. Unfortunately, NPR reports that the Waffle Records–produced work isn't very popular and "only got 1 percent of all plays last year."

But that's not right. After all, songs like Waffle Records' latest single, the wholesome "Color Me Gone," reminiscent of early curly-haired Taylor Swift, deserve more plays. So the next time you visit a Waffle House, instead of playing Tom Jones's "What's New Pussycat" 21 consecutive times, like comedian John Mulaney, pop a quarter in the box for "There Are Raisins in My Toast."