Waffle House Fires ‘King of Waffle House’ After Viral Music Videos
Edric Riley, a longtime Waffle House employee known online as the “King of Waffle House,” says he was fired after creating music videos connected to the restaurant chain.
His song “Waffy Options” gained attention on social media, but Waffle House said Riley repeatedly violated company rules by filming promotional content on its property without approval.
Riley said he worked nearly every hourly position during his time with Waffle House. The company confirmed that he was first hired in 2008 and most recently returned in August 2025. Across that 18-year period, Waffle House said Riley accumulated slightly more than 4½ years of service.
Riley had planned an eight-song, family-friendly album focused on Waffle House. One track, “Waffy Options,” drew unexpected attention online. He said the song was created from his interest in both music and the company where he had worked for years.
“I didn’t expect for them to be wanting to play ‘Waffy Options’ in the club,” Riley said. “I was just talking Waffle House business. Talking about a company I worked 20 years for, that I love with a passion.”
Why Waffle House Fired Him
Waffle House said Riley’s employment ended after repeated violations of its policy against unauthorized promotional filming on company property.
According to the company, management discussed the policy with Riley several times and warned that additional violations could result in termination. Waffle House said Riley later filmed a music video in one of its parking lots without permission.
The company said the production involved a crew, lighting equipment and backup dancers. It also stressed that employees can pursue creative projects outside work but cannot use company property for personal promotion, commercial gain or brand monetization without authorization.
“Waffle House ended its employment relationship with Mr. Riley following repeated violations of company policy prohibiting unauthorized filming of promotional media content on company property,” the company said.
Riley Questions the Decision
Instagram | kingofthewaffy | Riley criticized their firing, arguing the policy was unfairly applied after 20 years of loyal service.
Riley expressed disappointment over the firing and questioned whether the policy was being applied consistently.
“I’m not out here taking purses, I’m not out here selling drugs. I’m just out here promoting the company that I worked for for 20 years in the most positive light,” Riley said. “You have a policy, so if you’re going to enforce it, it’s supposed to be enforced on everyone.”
Waffle House said it had tried to help Riley keep his position but ultimately ended his employment after the repeated violations.
Since losing his job, Riley said music producers and artists have reached out about possible collaborations. He has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with living costs and studio expenses while pursuing music full time.
Waffle House Policy Remains Central
The dispute highlights the line between an employee’s personal creative work and a company’s rules regarding its property and branding. Riley viewed the music as positive attention for Waffle House, while the company treated the unauthorized filming as a workplace policy issue.
The firing followed the company’s stated warnings and its position that promotional use of Waffle House property requires prior authorization.
Edric Riley’s firing followed the unexpected online popularity of “Waffy Options” and a series of unauthorized filming incidents, according to Waffle House. Riley has challenged the decision while moving toward a full-time music career.
The case centers on a simple workplace question: how far can an employee’s creative project go when it involves a company’s property and brand?