Myrtle Beach Waffle House – A Late-Night Haven or a Hub for Trouble?
In the bustling city of Myrtle Beach, Waffle House has long been a beloved go-to spot for late-night diners seeking cheap eats and a casual atmosphere. The array of plastic seats and iconic breakfast foods make for a solid place to unwind after a night out. But, it seems that this 24-hour restaurant is not just serving up waffles and hash browns; it has also garnered a reputation for being a hotspot for trouble.
The Late-Night Culture at Waffle House
Waffle House expert Ty Matejowsky sheds some light on why these restaurants attract a certain kind of nightlife crowd. “People have kind of internalized this idea that Waffle House is a place where they can let their hair down and misbehave,” Matejowsky explains. This expectation can oftentimes lead to rowdy behavior, especially during late-night hours.
With several Waffle House locations dotted around Myrtle Beach, it’s no surprise that the local spots have seen their fair share of incidents, particularly involving the police. A tragic shooting back in 2021 at the Conway location claimed a man’s life, while just this year, a customer took things too far and attacked an employee at a Myrtle Beach branch. It begs the question: is Waffle House becoming synonymous with chaos?
Crunching the Numbers: Crime Reports Reveal All
To get to the bottom of this, an investigation was launched. By filing a Freedom of Information Act request, police reports were examined for seven Waffle House locations in the Myrtle Beach area from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. What they revealed was quite alarming.
The Waffle House near downtown Myrtle Beach, located at 100 North Kings Highway, topped the list with a whopping 38 police incidents during that time frame. One notable report from August 11, 2023, details police arriving around 4 a.m. to break up a brawl between two men fighting over a bill. Thankfully, no arrests were made, as officers declared it a case of “mutual fighting.”
Not too far behind, the Waffle House near Myrtle Beach International Airport saw 18 reported incidents. Despite its charm, clearly something’s brewing under those neon lights!
The Nature of Trouble: What’s Really Happening?
As Waffle House spokesman Njeri Boss pointed out, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the broader issues of retail violence. While the headlines might paint a vivid picture of chaos, the majority of incidents were for public disorderly conduct and trespassing. Reportedly, 17 arrests were tied to disorderly behavior, mostly involving rowdy customers yelling and causing scenes after a few too many drinks.
Interestingly, larger incidents of violence are fewer and far between. Only three armed robberies and two fights were recorded within the same timeframe. “When things like this happen, they become sensationalized because of Waffle House’s reputation,” notes Matejowsky.
A Flawed Reputation: Is It Really That Bad?
Despite the somewhat troubling statistics, Matejowsky emphasizes that Waffle House’s reputation for crime might not reflect reality. “If all these problems were really occurring all the time, Waffle House wouldn’t be able to stay open,” he states. “Yes, stories surface because they are interesting, but they don’t depict the every-day experience of Waffle House patrons.”
During the 18-month analysis, there were even instances of bill theft and people absconding with items from the restaurant, including a few bicycles and even cars. It raises the questions: what is it about Waffle House that makes it a target?
In Conclusion: A Southern Icon
Despite the occasional trouble that rolls through the doors, Waffle House remains an establish fixture in the late-night scene of Myrtle Beach. With its unique reputation, filled with both fondness and chaos, it stands as a symbol of Southern identity — a mixed bag of genuine people enjoying greasy bites and the occasional wild night out. Just as Matejowsky put it, “It’s seen as a late-night refuge where people can be real.”
As the sun sets and the nightlife begins, there’s no doubt that a trip to Waffle House might just be on the agenda — just maybe keep your eyes peeled for action!
