Waffle Cabin: Crafting Belgian Waffle Excellence Across America

Waffle Cabin is a unique quick-service franchise specializing in authentic Liège-style Belgian sugar waffles. Founded in 1998 by Peter Creyf and Ingrid Heyrman, it began as a humble pushcart named "Leo’s Gaufres de Liège" at Boston’s Quincy Market.

After initial challenges, the concept found success at ski resorts, leading to the establishment of the first permanent Waffle Cabin in December 1999. The franchise officially launched in 2012 and is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.

The menu centers around handcrafted Liège waffles made from yeast-based dough and imported Belgian pearl sugar, resulting in a caramelized, crispy exterior and soft interior.

Customers can enjoy these waffles plain or topped with semi-sweet dark Belgian chocolate. Complementary beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, and tea are also available. Waffle Cabin's commitment to quality includes sourcing ingredients from trusted Vermont suppliers and maintaining a nut-free production facility.

Training

Waffle Cabin offers a structured training program to ensure franchisees and their staff are adequately prepared to operate under the brand standards. The training includes the following key programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   Waffle Cabin provides a three-day initial training for up to four individuals (three Principals and one General Manager) at no extra cost. This training is conducted at their headquarters, an affiliate location in Vermont, or another designated site. Additional participants or new managers require a training fee.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   Around the time of business opening, a company representative offers on-site support and training for up to three days. If more days are needed, the franchisee covers all additional travel and lodging expenses.
3. Additional Training Requests
   Franchisees can request further on-site training at any time during the franchise term. These sessions are charged per day plus trainer expenses.

Territory Protection

Waffle Cabin offers franchisees a defined territory, which is typically a geographic area such as a city or a set of zip codes. For suburban locations, this may be a three-mile radius around the restaurant, while urban areas may cover three to five city blocks.

If the location is within a venue like a ski resort, the venue itself is considered the exclusive territory.

However, outside of venue-based locations, Waffle Cabin does not provide exclusive territory rights. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or distribution channels even within their designated area.