tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post672347632116275203..comments2024-03-28T14:04:21.377-04:00Comments on Broken Chains: Ovum Obscura Zap Actionsdowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-87015955729793099282023-08-26T09:56:12.250-04:002023-08-26T09:56:12.250-04:00Love your article. The history is : Billy Bob Ingr...Love your article. The history is : Billy Bob Ingram was married to the daughter of the Waffle House guy. Bill worked for his father in law and learned the business. Bill and his wife divorced and Bill started Omelet Shoppe. So, yes as you noted, they seemed pretty identical. Bill was a former basketball player for Auburn thus the orange and blue colors of the logo, etc. Home base was Birmingham. AL. There were many company stores throughout the southeast and there were franchised stores, the ones you've found. There was a falling out w partners in the early 80's and I believe the company stores eventually closed. This should satisfy your curiosity about this place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-5415903546368304722023-06-09T15:14:08.026-04:002023-06-09T15:14:08.026-04:00When I was a kid, we used to drive to see my grand...When I was a kid, we used to drive to see my grandparents in Florida and always stayed at that Days Inn, which was about 1/2 way for us. This was early ‘80s. My dad was insane and always made us get up around 4:00 am to get back on the road, so he would get his coffee from the Omelet Shoppe next door. We never went in, but I always found it so intriguing, especially since it looked like a Waffle House. Fun to read that a few still exist and maybe I can finally experience it myself someday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-40711675861716746682023-05-22T10:41:16.803-04:002023-05-22T10:41:16.803-04:00Thank you for the write up about this place. This...Thank you for the write up about this place. This past weekend I found some small bowls that had Omelet Shoppe on the rim. They were Pyrex tableware. Being a longtime Pyrex collector I picked them up. Then I tried to find out more about the restaurant and came up empty handed. Then I found your write up and was able to learn a bit more about the place. It’s odd that there isn’t much known about them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-17426086824079215362023-03-23T14:31:48.240-04:002023-03-23T14:31:48.240-04:00The one you ate at in Parkersburg was built and op...The one you ate at in Parkersburg was built and opened in 1974 and has never been anything but an omelette shoppe... We are down to three original locations I do believe.. but our owner also owns a new chain with two locations called angels dinnerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-67263449426987687642022-08-13T12:12:00.347-04:002022-08-13T12:12:00.347-04:00There's an omelette shoppe in beckley wv. Far ...There's an omelette shoppe in beckley wv. Far exceeds the waffle house in many ways: the menu is far more diverse along with generous proportions. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-26356385016412423692022-08-06T01:06:28.368-04:002022-08-06T01:06:28.368-04:00Thanx for the info on Omelette Shoppe and enjoyed ...Thanx for the info on Omelette Shoppe and enjoyed hearing about your road trip memories w Grandma and Grandpa. I live near Cullman, AL, and we had an Omelette Shoppe for many years off the I-65/278 exit by Days Inn (which may be the one you're referring to) that has been closed for several years now. A couple around Birmingham as well. I've never been to one but like Waffle House so glad you got to eat at one, the food looks delicious! Looking forward to reading more on Broken Chains.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-43065131012335547442022-07-07T13:13:41.369-04:002022-07-07T13:13:41.369-04:00Cool post! I had no idea about this chain until I ...Cool post! I had no idea about this chain until I came across an old picture of one while doing some research. Thomasville, GA had an Omelet Shoppe in 1982 according to <a href="https://vintageaerial.com/photos/georgia/thomas/1982/GTM/51/36" rel="nofollow">this picture</a>. The building is still there, looks just like the one you visited, and currently houses a Waffle House. It is located <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6GV81MRA54iCAYcJ8" rel="nofollow">here</a>, on the corner of US Highway 19 & Colonial Drive.Sing Oil Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04329997295075025626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-49199049860058253402021-12-03T18:46:58.927-05:002021-12-03T18:46:58.927-05:00Although, I've just noticed... it looks like t...Although, I've just noticed... it looks like the signs might say... "COFFEE SHOPPE" I'll do some more digging, but I DO vaguely remember there being a sister chain/alternate identity associated with Omelet Shoppe.<br /><br />The Sandston restaurant sold in 1981 to Hawthorne Corporation for $300K. Shot in the dark: I'd say "Tiger Foods" owned the chain and developed the property, Hawthorne Corp operated it.Steve Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10055321049351284043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-17292120348137370572021-12-03T18:38:57.674-05:002021-12-03T18:38:57.674-05:00The Henrico County GIS has a photo of the Sandston...The Henrico County GIS has a photo of the Sandston location. I have uploaded it to:<br /><br />https://tinyurl.com/sandstonomeletshoppe Steve Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10055321049351284043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-78873909326480104252021-12-03T18:32:14.812-05:002021-12-03T18:32:14.812-05:00There are at least two former Omelet Shoppe locati...There are at least two former Omelet Shoppe locations in the Richmond, VA area: 808 England Street in Ashland (now Waffle House), and 5600 Williamsburg Rd in Richmond/Sandston (now a Mexican restaurant).<br /><br />The Sandston location is only mentioned twice in the Richmond Times-Dispatch archives. One is a Help Wanted ad for waitresses, and the other mention is the construction permit being issued. Published July 6, 1980, "Tiger Foods Inc., owner; Diversified Building Systems Inc., contractor; Omelet Shoppe restaurant, Gilmour Place, Lot 12, Section A, $75,000" Searching for "Tiger Foods" turns up their purchase of that plot of land in 1979 for $175K, but not much else.<br /><br />I wonder if "Tiger Foods, Inc" was just a local franchise or if they owned the chain?Steve Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10055321049351284043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-38011840585998946052021-12-03T18:23:10.756-05:002021-12-03T18:23:10.756-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Steve Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10055321049351284043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-42888645174987782052021-06-23T18:02:56.549-04:002021-06-23T18:02:56.549-04:00Thanks for the update. I'll have to visit some...Thanks for the update. I'll have to visit some of the Virginia locations the next time I'm down that way. Zap Actionsdowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-90002072438004616602021-05-30T22:25:36.718-04:002021-05-30T22:25:36.718-04:00Blue Ridge Best Foods, the parent company of the O...Blue Ridge Best Foods, the parent company of the Omelet Shoppe Chain is now headquartered in Roanoke, VA. The company is down to 3 Omelet Shoppe locations, and two Omelet Shoppe spin-off locations in the Roanoke Area. These two locations are named Angelle's, and offer some items similar to the Omelet Shoppe, but in a more upscale environment. These are the companies two newest locations (one just opened in 2019), but they next plan to open another Omelet Shoppe location in WV. The Omelet Shoppe in Salem, VA was recently sold to a hotel developer.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14935320650082549484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-1530178535949230472020-10-06T12:06:35.829-04:002020-10-06T12:06:35.829-04:00My late grandfather owned and operated an Omelet S...My late grandfather owned and operated an Omelet Shoppe in Dothan AL in the early 80's. Dishes are still in the barn ��LJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07089219864500259704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-17843300356325262012020-07-19T17:40:43.678-04:002020-07-19T17:40:43.678-04:00This is so strange. Even now, two years later, I...This is so strange. Even now, two years later, I still can't find more about this chain than beyond what you've written here!<br /><br />Thanks for planting a play on the internet for this and at least making others not feel like they are going crazy when they go searching online for this chain!Gray B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08253335565416980981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-85747630781434281122020-01-19T09:24:46.251-05:002020-01-19T09:24:46.251-05:00Hi. Thanks for reading. I have seen your comment. ...Hi. Thanks for reading. I have seen your comment. I'd love to see your Omelet Shoppe coloring book. I might even feature it on the Broken Chains Facebook page with your permission. You can send it to me at rowsdower98@gmail.com if you want to. Zap Actionsdowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-19640752087128072122020-01-19T00:02:14.467-05:002020-01-19T00:02:14.467-05:00I thought you may be interested to know that while...I thought you may be interested to know that while thrifting I found an Omelete Shoppe Christmas Carols coloring book. I presume it was a kids freebie that was handed out in typical restaurant style. Unfortunately there is no date on it, from the artwork I am guessing late 70s early 80s. If you ever see this comment (LOL) I can email you a photo if you like.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15372621049528155972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-11203983714971166812019-01-04T09:41:55.751-05:002019-01-04T09:41:55.751-05:00Thanks for reading and for the sleuthing. I found ...Thanks for reading and for the sleuthing. I found the Omelette Shoppe locations in Traverse City during my research, but didn’t realize they were related to this chain. It’s also nice to know how widespread they once were. I appreciate you looking into it. This is great to know. Zap Actionsdowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-24040604822440534972019-01-03T17:51:46.408-05:002019-01-03T17:51:46.408-05:00Sorry for multiple postings: https://bizstanding....Sorry for multiple postings: https://bizstanding.com/directory/AL/OM/23/ lists "Omelette Shoppe Inc" and "Omelet Shoppe Operating Co., Inc" as being first registered in 1973 in Birmingham, AL by Billy Bob Ingram, James Richard Bays and James Madison Tackett.<br /><br />"Omelet Shoppe Franchising Company, Inc" was registered in 1975 by Billy Bob Ingram, Andrew J Gentry and James Madison Tackett.<br /><br />Found Head Office was at:<br /><br />129 CITATION CT. BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209<br /><br />https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_al/031-584/statements/branch_relationship_subject lists over 22 corporate relationships, with restaurants as far west as California, south to Texas and Florida, and east to New York, New Jersey, and in Midwest with Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, etc...<br />tractorfan71https://www.blogger.com/profile/15057891700479094124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-13922491610853237172019-01-03T16:44:50.925-05:002019-01-03T16:44:50.925-05:00The Omelette Shoppe chain mentioned, I found where...The Omelette Shoppe chain mentioned, I found where the owner originally bought three "Omelet Shoppe" locations in Traverse City, MI, and it appears he renamed them as "Omelette Shoppe" so he can expand/franchise them.tractorfan71https://www.blogger.com/profile/15057891700479094124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-28312886322016880882019-01-03T16:15:10.530-05:002019-01-03T16:15:10.530-05:00There are a couple of the Indiana-Waffle Houses th...There are a couple of the Indiana-Waffle Houses that still exist. One is in Seymour, IN, where you visited Bonanza Steak & BBQ. Others may go by the more recent name of Sunrise Cafe. tractorfan71https://www.blogger.com/profile/15057891700479094124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-80281720335558959922018-10-13T17:37:16.538-04:002018-10-13T17:37:16.538-04:00I've heard of the Indiana-only Waffle House ch...I've heard of the Indiana-only Waffle House chain. They had the rights to the Waffle House name in Indiana for many years. The multi-state Waffle House chain had to call themselves Waffle & Steak in Indiana as a result. Zap Actionsdowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-58078402356901482222018-10-11T22:25:55.245-04:002018-10-11T22:25:55.245-04:00I'm a Hoosier in Indy. We used to have at leas...I'm a Hoosier in Indy. We used to have at least 2 Omelet Shoppes, an East side location that appeared to be well loved (I remember seeing the wait staff's good byes on the place before it was razed) and the location you mention above. I never ate there as a kid but I have eaten at the Indian incarnation, i loved that the ladies there had come with place and they were excited about their then new menu. We also had two different chains of Waffle Houses, the one that everyone knows now and another one that had yellow buildings and a logo that was half sun, half moon. Weird!Prog Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536583155033811845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-70378734303231996552018-10-10T08:09:34.369-04:002018-10-10T08:09:34.369-04:00The thought that I’m the leading source of anythin...The thought that I’m the leading source of anything is a little scary. Zap Actionsdowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07435622162129525099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-411374383982984063.post-43322637694193598732018-10-07T00:03:12.146-04:002018-10-07T00:03:12.146-04:00I've tried searching my sources for info on Om...I've tried searching my sources for info on Omelette Shop, and some other variations. However, I can't find anything.<br /><br />which makes you the leading source of Omelette Shop information on the web.Houston Historic Retailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00101509061993007509noreply@blogger.com