Waffle House closes more than 400 branches due to coronavirus

Waffle House closes more than 400 branches due to coronavirus.

Waffle House decided to shut down over 420 Waffle House locations across the U.S. because of the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

The last time Waffle House locations were closed was during Hurricane Katrina, where 130 stores were closed.

Waffle House Chief Executive Officer Walt Ehmer checked on locations that were still open.

The company has been known for continuing its operatings during natural disasters to help feed first responders and medical personnel.

“You know, Waffle House is an indicator of when things are not going well. We have more than 420 restaurants closed on right now," said Ehmer.

Ehmer explained that he is concerned because of the virus and its potential effects on the economy. He adds that most companies are in danger of shutting down forever.

“I tell you its been unlike anything we’ve had to deal with,” he said.

He pointed out that Waffle House can rise above the crisis. However, he says they are forced to close some stores because not enough customers are ordering to go.

Revenue down

“We don’t have enough business to support the people who work here and the bills we have to pay," he said. “Our front line workers are being decimated by this.”

“A lot of people think we’ll just turn the switch back on 30 days from now. A lot of businesses won’t come back, restaurants won’t come back, hotels wont come back," he said. "Jobs won’t come back and when jobs don’t come back, there’s another public health crisis coming down the road.”

“My concern is for our folks. I want to get restaurants opens to get their jobs back to get their opportunity back," Ehmer said.

“We’re doing everything we can to give them as many hours, to help pay them as much as we possibly can.”

He admits that revenue declined by 70%. “I’d be happy to accommodate significant social distancing in the restaurants and let people feel a little bit normal again. And they can be safe, this is the safest place to be right now. There’s nobody in there," he said.