The story of Waffle Cabin is one of passion, perseverance, and the simple desire to share delicious waffles with the world. It all began with Peter and Ingrid, who simply wanted to sell waffles.
Peter Creyf, owner and founder of Waffle Cabin, recalls: "The Waffle Cabin™ is a concept that we started in May 1998. Originally it was called "Leo's - Gaufres de Liège" - a tribute to my tutor Leo Vermeulen in Antwerp, Belgium".
Initially, Peter and Ingrid named their waffle cart “Leo’s - Gaufres de Liege”, the latter referring to a famous waffle recipe from Liege, Belgium. A Gaufre de Liege, known for its sugar-crusted top and soft middle, is often dipped in chocolate or dusted in powdered sugar. To perfect his recipe, Peter spent time in an apprenticeship under a Belgian doughmaker before starting the Waffle Cabin.
The pair discovered skiers enjoyed relaxing with a Liege-style waffle and a hot beverage after a day on the slopes. All this led him to contact ski resorts.
A traditional Gaufre de Liège
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Early Success at Ski Resorts
The Waffle Cabin got a lucky break when they were given a chance to set up a pop-up at Killington Resort in Vermont. As Peter recalls, his contact Tracy T. said: "I'll give you a chance to prove yourself during Christmas week, and if it won't work during that week, it will never work!"
But what happened was just the opposite. In December 1999, they were given a chance at Killington Resort in Vermont, and this during Christmas week. That same season, Chris Goss who was the F&B director at Stowe gave them that same opportunity and again, they immediately saw the success this could be. That same winter , President's week was even bigger than their Christmas week trial and only reinforced what they had felt - this is a WIN-WIN-WIN.
Set up in a quaint, compact cabin, the Waffle Cabin was easily accessible for skiers, and many could ski right up to the front window, place their order, and wait while it was made. Peter and Ingrid not only had the perfect recipe for a waffle, but they had the perfect recipe for a successful business.
They grew the Waffle Cabins® to many resorts in New England, and learned a lot along the way as well, although it was a relatively easy growth - life was good and “quite easy”.
When new franchise owners open their Waffle Cabin business, they take a class to understand the unique Liege-style recipe - and for good reason.
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A Waffle Cabin trailer
Corbet's Cabin: Waffles at the Top of the World
Another iconic location for enjoying waffles on the slopes is Corbet's Cabin at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. For some, it’s the sole reason to ride the tram and for others, it’s fuel to power a day of skiing or riding. Corbet's Cabin is a staple at JHMR and the little shack at 10,450 feet is battered in history.
The quickest way to Corbet's Cabin is a 12-minute ride on the Aerial Tram. Glide skyward 4,139 vertical feet for staggering 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. Skis and snowboards nailed to the outside walls remind us of how the sport has changed over the generations.
As you open the doors to the cabin the smell of waffles hits you in the face harder than the crisp air during a February blizzard. On any given day, Corbet’s is packed to capacity with waffle crazed guest and locals looking to get their fix. For those who frequent Corbet’s Cabin, the choice of what flavor to order is second nature.
You can’t beat having delicious waffles at 10,000 feet and you can even spike your coffee if you’d like. They also have a cute little gift shop.
Corbet's Cabin is adjacent to Corbet’s Couloir one of the steepest ski runs in North America. The Aerial Tram cruises right by Corbet's on its way to the top, offering skiers/riders a glimpse of the famed run.
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Enjoy your waffles and want to show off to your friends back home? Stop by the merchandise corner in Corbet's Cabin and pick up some waffle swag.
Waffle Flavors at a Glance
Here's a taste of the waffle flavors you might encounter:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Gateway | Natural peanut butter and smoked bacon - an odd pairing you ask? Not at all. |
| Italian | Nutella - what else could go right? |
| Cobbler | Mixed berry compote and whipped cream make for a sweet treat. |
| Trad | Brown sugar butter is the old-fashioned but good-fashioned way to enjoy a waffle. |
| Belgian | A sweet treat with cookie butter, drizzled caramel, and powdered sugar. |