In Focus is a weekly photographic exploration of a particular subject. This week, photographer Kate Awtrey spent some time with a grill operator at the Winder Waffle House.
You probably recognize James Mitchell's face even if you might not recognize his name.
The Winder resident is a grill operator at the local Waffle House on East May Street. Mitchell has lived in the area and worked at the Winder eatery for six years, "but I've been with the company for about 20 years," he said.
Waffle House workers pack the kitchen to grill up fresh orders all day long, with an audience of patrons who watch as the cooking takes place.
Each Waffle House employee focuses on their own set of responsibilities and operate in an assembly line. A teammate calls out an order and then the action starts.
Mitchell grabs a plate and small containers of jelly to place alongside hot slices of fresh bread. Once the first step is complete he passes the plate down for another grill operator to add the eggs, and they pass it back once the hash browns are ready.
"I love it," Mitchell said. "It's wonderful. I love meeting new people. But also the people I work with. We're a great team."
Even though Mitchell has been on staff at Waffle House for two decades, he still enjoys the food.
"The fiesta omelets are great," he said.
What's your favorite food at Waffle House?
Tell us in the comments.
terry case
3:37 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
Its a hard job I worked both sales and Grill Operator..... Sales is a breeze in comparison
melvin
4:39 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
yea gloves thats a good thing,germs under the nails if im ever that way ill for sure stop there
Deanna Allen
5:52 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
Thanks for the comment, Terry. Having been a frequent diner at the Winder Waffle House I know how crazy it can get when things are busy and the employees seem to do a great job taking care of customers. Melvin, I definitely agree about the gloves!
Richard Hoover
8:20 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Wish Joe Rogers Jr. would contact Richard at unit 1043!!!!! Last time I saw him was in Cherokee, North Carolina and was asked to consider coming back to the Waffle House Organization and I did!!! Seems no one knows how to contact him for me!! I remember a time he could be contacted at any time by the proper personnel!! So if anyone can pass this message it would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks and God Bless all the Waffle House Associates!!! Best job I have ever had!!!! Richard
John Tortoriello
7:04 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
"Drop one sausage. Ham and cheese omlet plate." I have been ordering this for the past 20 years and plan on continuing for the next 20. (P.S. I am 71.)
Deanna Allen
10:46 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
Which Waffle House do you eat at? I'm a fan of the hashbrowns and the bacon, which they make perfectly crispy for me.
tequila dubose
4:34 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
I ATE AT YOUR WAFFLE HOUSE IN INDIANAPOLIS AND IT WAS ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AT ANY RESTAURANT.THE THIRD SHIFT COOK A BLACK GIRL NAMED TEQUILA WAS VERY RUDE,THE FOOD WAS NASTY,AND SHE AND THE OTHER EMPLOYEES WERE SMOKING MARIJANA IN THE PARKING LOT.YOU REALLY SHOULD PICK BETTER EMPLOYEES. THANK YOU.