The Rise of Buddy’s Chicken & Waffles: From Ghost Kitchen to Local Favorite

Buddy's journey began in his brother's kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We were stuck at home during COVID," Buddy recalls. "I was trying to replicate the KFC recipe, and I ended up with something that basically beat the recipe." Word of Buddy's delicious chicken and waffles spread to his brother's friends, and "Waffle Wednesdays" soon became a weekly event.

Buddy's entrepreneurial spirit and the community's support led him to open a ghost kitchen in November 2021. Three years later, Buddy's Chicken and Waffles has a brick-and-mortar location in the Lincoln District and a food truck on the way. Buddy attributes his success to the Tacoma community, which raised $50,000 through Kickstarter and GoFundMe to help him open the restaurant.

The menu boasts a variety of specialty waffles, including buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, cinnamon toast crunch, cookies and cream, southern cornbread, strawberry shortcake, and banana cream pie, all served with Buddy's signature fried chicken.

Buddy's Chicken and Waffles is more than just a restaurant; it's a vibe, "It's the music, it's the artwork, it's the TV shows or movies that we play on the TV," Buddy explains. "Everything is super intentional. It's a very homey, it's a very black establishment." Buddy's is a place where everyone is welcome to enjoy good food, good company, and good vibes.

Buddy's Chicken & Waffles is open Tuesday through Sunday and can be found on all social media platforms at Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles.

Buddy’s Chicken & Waffles
3709 S G St
Tacoma, WA 98418