Waffle House is more than a restaurant; it’s a legend.
The chain of 24/7 restaurants is such a uniquely American institution that it should be on the citizenship test. Many of us know our hashbrown order better than we do the words to the “Star Spangled Banner.” American cheese just hits different when it’s melted on those crispy potatoes.
One of the most amazing bits of the restaurant’s lore is something called the Waffle House Index. This index is used to judge the severity of disasters based on whether any of their locations in the area are open. Even the Federal Emergency Management Agency relies on it.
One creator says there’s another way to tell that all is not well: if a Waffle House has its shades down.
In a TikTok with 2 million views, creator LJ (@maverick_patriot1776) points the camera at a Waffle House with lowered blinds. The lights are on inside.
“If you ever come across a Waffle House with its shades down, do not go in whatsoever,” she says. “That is a very, very bad sign.”
“Leave and call 911,” she says. “It’s that simple, folks.”
Do lowered blinds at Waffle House mean danger?
People in the comments largely agree that you should steer clear if the blinds are down.
“We are never to close the shades at night if the shades are close, something is wrong,” a person who says they used to work for the restaurant alleged. Another purportedly former employee said it means the store is being robbed.
One person claims they took a 911 call as an emergency dispatcher from someone who saw the breakfast joint with its blinds lowered.
“The way I sent everybody and their brother. There was a ‘situation’ happening,” they said.
Many shared that they’ve never seen the blinds closed at the iconic restaurant chain. One said they didn’t even realize the restaurants have blinds.
Another dubbed lowered shades “the Waffle House international sign of distress.”
Not everyone is convinced. “What do you want me to say, ‘Hey 911, Waffle House has their shades down.’ Cops, ‘Huh?'” one joked.
Waffle House didn’t immediately respond to an email inquiry from the Mary Sue sent Monday morning.
While there may be some truth to LJ’s claim about the lowered blinds, it appears that nothing is amiss at the restaurant in her TikTok.
LJ stands by her claim. “My advice, shades down, third shift, sun’s down, the sun is down—there’s no sun going in the windows. Call 911. Be safe.”
@maverick_patriot1776 part 1 #wafflehouse #911 #spreadsmilespostivitymoreluv? ♬ original sound – OG Maverick
LJ didn’t respond to a direct message sent via TikTok.
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