GLEN MILLS, PA. — Golden Waffles, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of waffle irons and waffle mixes, has opened a new headquarters and innovation center in its hometown of Glen Mills.
The waffle program company said the nearly 18,000-square-foot facility expands its research-and-development capabilities, bolsters its operations and “deepens its footprint” in Pennsylvania’s food sector.
Highlights of the new headquarters include a fully equipped innovation center housing a demonstration kitchen, a dedicated R&D lab for irons and mixes, and a training academy for culinary teams and kitchen operators. Golden Waffles noted that upgraded audio/video technology enables virtual product cuttings with customers and chefs, and expanded conference rooms and an employee break space foster creativity and individual connections.
“This new HQ is more than just a building; it’s a catalyst,” said Michael DiBeneditto, who has been chief executive officer of Golden Waffles since October 2023. “Golden Waffles is growing fast, waffles are booming across every menu category and we’re investing right here in greater Philadelphia to fuel that momentum.”
In addition, Golden Waffles said, the new facility brings collaborative workspaces to speed concept development and enable the company to test, refine and showcase new ideas in real time. That includes more room to host visiting customers and prototype fresh-baked solutions on-site.
| Photo: Golden Waffles
Describing the new HQ and facilities as a “major investment in the company’s next chapter,” Golden Waffles said the project was made possible by private equity owner Arbor Investments, which acquired the company — then known as Golden Malted — in June 2023. The name was changed to Golden Waffles last August.
“Golden Waffles has long been a hidden gem in foodservice, powering thousands of restaurant and hotel menus by providing unmatched quality and service to operators,” said George Russell, principal at Chicago-based Arbor Investments. “This new headquarters embodies the commitment to innovation, customer service and consumer experience that defines Golden Waffles. It’s a place built for momentum, a space where ideas can scale faster, teams can collaborate more deeply and the company can continue raising the bar on what a fresh-baked waffle experience can and should be. We’re excited to support this next chapter of growth.”
Founded in 1937, Golden Waffles dubs itself “the inventor of the world’s first all-inclusive waffle program.” The company offers a turnkey solution including waffle and pancake mix, waffle irons, syrups and toppings, and in-house service, enabling locations ranging from hotels and juice bars to theme parks and convenience stores to provide customers fresh-baked waffles. Currently, Golden Waffles has more than 100,000 waffle irons in use across over 50,000 customer locations in 60-plus countries.
Waffles have gained more prominence in menus across meal dayparts and dining formats, from QSRs and juice bars to late-night spots and grab-and-go, according to Golden Waffles.
“The renewed appetite is driven by more than just flavor and versatility; “waffle-omics” is simple,” DiBeneditto said. “For operators, waffles are high-margin with low lift. For guests, they’re craveable and comforting.”