A Grapevine restaurant known for its Belgian waffles is closing after 37 years: Waffle Way, which has been serving breakfasts and lunch since 1987, will close in November.

In its closure notice, the restaurant blamed the economy, although some regulars suggested that the restaurant's lease was not renewed.

"Due to fall in business and rises in the economy, Waffle Way will be closing its doors permanently November 2, 2024," their notice said. "We have appreciated your support that has kept us in business for the past 37 years. Much love from the Waffle Way team to our community and family."

A representative from the restaurant said that they were closing due to "a variety of factors," and the lease was among them.

Located at 1206 W. Northwest Hwy., Waffle Way was originally opened by Arlene Dickerson, before chains like Waffle House or IHOP came along (and way before the current explosion of breakfast- and brunch-centric concepts have exploded across DFW).

A modest restaurant with good food and affordable prices, it endured as a local favorite, serving beloved dishes like "the best vegetable omelet I have ever eaten," "the best fried fish I hav ever eaten with homemade tartar sauce and homemade slaw," and "freaking amazing chili over spaghetti."

Prices are cheap: a "Texas vegetable plate" with a bowl of pinto beans, coleslaw, purple onions, sliced tomatoes, and choice of bread is only $7.

They're most famous for their Belgian waffles in flavors such as original, chocolate chip, and banana pecan, with choice of toppings such as blueberries, strawberries, or fried chicken.

For breakfast, there are omelets, pancakes, French toast, biscuits & gravy, and hamburger steak & eggs; lunch includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and chicken fried steak. Desserts include fruit pie, meringue pie, strawberry shortcake, and banana pudding.

In 2001, Dickerson sold the restaurant to Lynda Hawkins, who'd been an original employee, and who still owns it with her family, including daughter Natasha Hawkins-Thompson, today.

The restaurant has had a rocky road in recent years. They got hit hard by the pandemic, prompting a small GoFundMe effort in 2020. They were broken into in 2021, prompting Historic Downtown Grapevine neighbors including House of Mo Boutique and Bermuda Gold & Silver to rally in their support and raise funds to replace their shattered front doors. In 2022, they got hit by the tornadoes that passed through Grapevine, including broken windows, downed signage, and a downed awning.

The property was still owned by the Dickerson family until 2022 when it was purchased by current owner Wright GCT Investments LLC, located at the same address as Grapevine construction company Wright Construction.