Joe Rogers Sr. was an American businessman and the co-founder of the popular breakfast restaurant chain, Waffle House. He was born on November 30, 1919, in Jackson County, Alabama, and passed away on March 3, 2017, at the age of 97.

Rogers grew up in Albertville, Alabama, and attended Albertville High School. After graduating, he joined the United States Army and served during World War II. Following his military service, Rogers attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama, where he earned a degree in business.

In the early 1950s, Rogers began working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a regional manager. It was during this time that he met Tom Forkner, who was also working for Toddle House.

The two men quickly became friends and decided to go into business together. They opened their first Waffle House restaurant in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955. The restaurant was an immediate success, and the Waffle House chain soon expanded to several locations across the Southeastern United States.

Rogers played a critical role in the growth and success of Waffle House. He was known for his hands-on approach to management and his commitment to providing excellent customer service. He served as the company's CEO from 1973 to 1975 and remained involved in the company's operations until his retirement in the 2000s.

Tom Forkner was an American businessman and the co-founder of the popular breakfast restaurant chain, Waffle House. He was born on June 14, 1918, in Blairsville, Georgia, and passed away on April 26, 2017, at the age of 98.

Forkner grew up in Avondale Estates, Georgia, and attended Avondale High School. After graduating, he joined the United States Army and served during World War II. Following his military service, Forkner attended North Georgia College and later worked in the restaurant industry, where he gained valuable experience in management and operations.

In 1955, Forkner met Joe Rogers Sr., who was working as a regional manager for the Toddle House restaurant chain. The two men quickly became friends and decided to go into business together. They opened their first Waffle House restaurant in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in 1955.

The Waffle House chain quickly grew in popularity, and by the mid-1960s, the company had expanded to several locations in Georgia and neighboring states. In 1969, the company went public, and by the early 1970s, there were over 200 Waffle House locations across the United States.

Forkner played a crucial role in the growth and success of Waffle House. He was known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to connect with customers and employees alike. He served as the company's CEO from 1975 to 1978 and remained involved in the company's operations until his retirement in the 1980s.

Throughout his life, Forkner was also an active member of his community. He served on several local boards and committees and was a generous philanthropist, supporting a variety of charitable causes.