Golden Waffle working hard to reopen

Feb. 09--ASHEBORO -- Since a fire closed Golden Waffle, a local landmark, on Jan. 22, it's been like losing a member of the family for the owners and employees -- and patrons, too.

But don't worry: The popular 24-hour eatery is healing and will reopen.

A blaze started behind the grill and went up the exhaust system to the roof, according to James Maness, co-owner with Patty Maness of The Golden Waffle at 602 E. Dixie Drive. The damage resulted in the immediate closing of the 24-7 operation; it will remain closed until sometime this spring.

"I'm expecting completion by May 1," James said.

Repairs are being made to the roof and ceiling. In addition, fixtures in the dining room will be refurnished. A professional restoration company will do the cleanup.

The fire started at approximately 3:45 a.m. on a snowy morning when there were four employees and six or eight customers in the building. No one was injured.

James Maness said the fire began in the exhaust system where stainless steel covers a block wall.

"Over a period of 41 years, a seam in the steel separated and the exhaust sucked grease up the block wall," he said. "I don't know what started the flame, but the fire was sucked up the exhaust to the roof."

James credited the Asheboro Fire Department for putting out the fire within 20 minutes. "They're the greatest, most efficient fire department in the state of North Carolina. They're unbelievable. We have so much to thank them for."

He also expressed appreciation to the City of Asheboro Planning and Zoning, the City Council and Randolph County sanitation inspectors for "their willingness to work with us." He thanked The Courier-Tribune for its coverage.

"And I appreciate the effort of S.E. Trogdon (the general contractor) that they're putting forth to get me back in business as soon as possible," he said.

"We miss our customers," Patty said. "They're the best in the world. I can't wait to see them."

James added that the "fire was God-sent because everything here is 41 years old and needed to be replaced."

Patty noted that there were 28 employees at the time of the fire and that 22 are core members of the staff. She said insurance will pay a portion of their wages for a period of time.

Kristie and Billy Hensley are two of those employees. Kristie has been a cook at Golden Waffle for three years; Billy has worked at the restaurant off and on since 1984, and full-time for the past 13 or 14 years.

"I wouldn't cook for anybody else," Kristie said. "(Patty) has been good to me. She's always been there for me.

"We're like a big family," she said, noting that it hurts "not being able to see everybody, to wonder about them."

Billy said he has worked as a dishwasher, receives stock, cleans what needs cleaning, and maintains the yard and parking lot. He was getting ready for work the morning of the fire when one of the employees posted on Facebook that "The Golden Waffle is burning down," according to Kristie. "I started squalling."

"This is where customers come to get their gossip," Billy said. And when an elderly customer isn't seen in a few days, someone will check on the person.

The concern goes both ways, according to Kristie. "A lot of customers call and check on us," she said. Some of them want to know " 'when will I get more chicken and dumplings?' I tell them 'When we reopen.' "

Kristie, who is known for her chicken and dumplings, said other restaurants have asked for her recipe. She refuses to give it out, saying, "I'm loyal to Patty. She took care of us."

One benefit for the Hensleys is that they've been able to keep their health insurance. It's a critical time for Kristie since she was recently diagnosed with a form of cancer. "We still have insurance for cancer treatment," she said.

Jeanette Hunt came by while the Hensleys were there. She's been a Golden Waffle waitress for six years.

"I was coming to work around 4:30 when I saw a text message from third shift," she said. "I was in shock. I couldn't believe it."

Hunt admits to being in a state of depression, although she tries to keep it to herself. "Everybody's depressed," she said. "I can't wait to get out out of the house."

She also characterized the Golden Waffle as a family. "I feel closer to the people here than to my other family," Hunt said. "I keep coming up here and sometimes see customers. I can't wait for the opening."

Hunt said her birthday is in April so when the Golden Waffle reopens, it "will be my present."

___

(c)2016 The Courier-Tribune, Asheboro, N.C.

Visit The Courier-Tribune, Asheboro, N.C. at www.courier-tribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.