The Waffle Experience

THE WAFFLE EXPERIENCE

WHILE SERVING IN THE MARINES TOGETHER, JEFFERY BELASKI and Michael Donoho would talk about opening a restaurant together one day. They wanted to serve food made from the freshest ingredients in a fun and innovative way. Donoho, a world-class chef, grew up helping his parents work in their expansive family garden. An avid fisherman and hunter, he had an appreciation for fresh food. Belaski had the drive, business acumen, and creative mind to make things happen.

Reunited outside of the barracks, the duo took a leap of faith and launched The Waffle Experience (TWE) in 2014. Made from locally sourced natural and organic ingredients, the flavor-infused waffles offer the perfect storm of innovation and fresh. It didn’t take long before the restaurant was named a “must-try” on MSN’s prestigious list, 50 Best Things to Eat Before You Die.

TWE quickly became a destination restaurant with long lines of customers wanting in. Impressive as that is, the amazing part is that the first location was situated in a industrial park. “There was no foot traffic to bring people in. We didn’t advertise. It was all word of mouth. People loved our food and started posting pictures all over social media. It went viral,” Belaski says.

The restaurant serves waffles like you’ve never had before. “This is not watered-down pancake mix. Our waffles are made from brioche bread dough and infused with herbs and other unexpected additions like fruit and meats,” says Belaski. “Praise the Lard” (above, left) is made with house-braised pork belly, cage-free eggs, arugula, roasted tomato, ricotta, cracked pepper agave syrup, on top of a lardon-studded herb waffle. The Bloody Mary Experience (right), more like a meal in a glass, turns heads whenever it’s served.

Now offering franchise opportunities, the founders believe The Waffle Experience will do well just about anywhere. “Our first location made a killing in an industrial park, so imagine how it will do in an area with foot traffic,” asks Donoho. “This is a great lifestyle business, with family-friendly hours, a unique concept, and a proven model,” says Belaski. “We are looking for franchise partners who share our passion and excitement for this business. This partnership will be the foundation of our success.”

Mike Donoho (left) and Jeffery Belaski (right) met while serving in the Marines. They launched The Waffle Experience in 2014 and are now offering franchise opportunities.

"Praise the Lard" is a favorite dish at The Waffle Experience.

The creative fare at The Waffle Experience has created a cult-like following.

More like a meal, "The Bloody Mary Experience” turns heads whenever it's served.