The History of our Red Velvet Waffle

The Story Behind Our Famous Red Velvet Waffle

The Red Velvet Waffle at Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a heavenly indulgence, the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. When I was designing the menu for Johnny D’s in 2013, I knew I needed a show-stopping waffle—one so unforgettable that after just one bite, you’d have to put your fork down to truly savor the moment.

At the time, Red Velvet was all the rage on social media and Pinterest, and I just knew this timeless classic wasn’t going anywhere. But for me, it wasn’t just about following a trend; it was about creating something that would stand the test of time.

A Little Backstory

Before Johnny D’s was even a thought, I was busy running my own bake shop, whipping up cakes for loyal customers. One day, a pastry chef friend shared a game-changing tip for perfecting Red Velvet Cake Batter, and I took it straight to my kitchen. The result? A fluffy, chocolate-kissed cake that was rich, velvety, and utterly irresistible.

Traditional Red Velvet cake is essentially a vanilla cake with a touch of cocoa powder for a light chocolate flavor. But I took a different approach—I blended both chocolate and vanilla cake batters, adding just the right touch of color. Since my cake recipes were already tried and true, the end result was perfection.

Follow the link to Food Network to check out their article about our Red Velvet Waffle

Turning Cake Into Waffles

Fast forward to 2013, while developing the menu for Johnny D’s, I had an epiphany:Why not transform my incredible Red Velvet cake into a waffle?

I experimented with the perfect ratio of cake batter to waffle batter, testing and tweaking until I created what is now known as the Famous Red Velvet Waffle.

At first, it was slow to take off. We even considered taking it off the menu, but I refused. I believed in this waffle. I knewthat once customers gave it a try, they’d be hooked.

From Local Favorite to National Fame

Slowly, word started to spread. But the real turning point? Sam Champion and Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel were in town for a vacation segment. Their producer requested our Red Velvet Waffles for a live broadcast—and just like that, our small-town waffle hit the big leagues.

People visiting Myrtle Beach started seeking out the waffle they saw on TV, and before I knew it, we had customers coming in from all over just to try it.

Then, about two years later, Food Network came calling.

One of the marketing teams from the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce had submitted our Red Velvet Waffle for Food Network’s “50 States, 50 Waffles” feature. When they reached out for photos and more details, I was ecstatic. I sent them everything they needed (and maybe a little more). A short while later, I got the news—Our Red Velvet

Waffle was voted #1 in South Carolina! I could barely contain my excitement.Once word got out, the floodgates opened again. Customers came from near and far to get a taste of our now-award-winning waffle. We couldn’t make batter fast enough!

A Legacy of Flavor

Now, with three locations along the Grand Strand, Johnny D’s has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. But no matter how much our menu evolves, the Red Velvet Waffle remains a true icon—a dish that brings joy to our guests and an experience I will always cherish.

I know I have many bestsellers, but this waffle? It’s something special.

Visit Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts at any of our three locations in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach, and experience the famous Red Velvet Waffle for yourself. I promise, it’s worth the hype.

Watch the segment to see Jim Cantore & Sam Champion from the Weather Channel