Joe Rogers, Who Built Waffle House Chain With Grits, Dies at 97

  • Ex-short-order cook opened first diner with partner in 1955
  • The menu featured southern dishes such as biscuits and gravy

Joe Rogers

Photographer: Erik S. Lesser/EPA
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Joe Rogers, who co-founded the Waffle House chain of U.S. roadside diners specializing in Southern-style breakfasts served 24-hours-a-day, has died. He was 97.

He died March 3, according to a statement emailed Monday by the company. No details were provided.