2010

In 2010, Collin Cormier was the executive chef at a restaurant in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. For several months, he had been contemplating leaving to start his own restaurant. One morning during brunch service, hunger struck. Collin quickly took two pieces of bacon, laid them on a waffle, and folded the waffle over. But before he could take a bite, he heard angels singing. He took a picture of the sandwich and sent it to his wife, Jasmyne. Viva La Waffle was born.

2011

Inspired by that quick breakfast sandwich, Collin decided to open one of Lafayette’s first food trucks. The truck would serve unique sandwiches that used waffles in place of bread. In summer 2011, the Viva La Waffle food truck hit the road. The next day, the dream went up in flames. Literally. The truck burned to the ground. But the delay was temporary and, after repairs, the truck returned.

VIVA

Serving staples, like the Rosceaux and Figgy Piggy, and rotating specials, Viva La Waffle transformed skeptical waffle samplers into rabid fanatics. Its Facebook page became one of Lafayette’s most-followed social media pages and Viva gained a loyal following. Wherever the truck went, lines formed. Customers braved Louisiana’s oppressive heat and torrential downpours to devour their favorite waffle sandwich during their lunch break. During its 4-year run, the truck received publicity and accolades from various food publications. It was even the site of a wedding engagement.

2015

In 2015, Collin and Jasmyne parked the truck while they opened Pop’s Po-boys, another popular Lafayette restaurant. Viva’s absence was supposed to be temporary. But as the Cormiers focused on Pop’s and other restaurant ventures, many believed that the shining beacon of waffle love in South Louisiana had been extinguished.

2021

But now, the flame burns anew! And Viva makes its triumphant Lafayette return as a brick-and-mortar restaurant (with a drive-thru). It brings back mainstays like the Rosceaux, Figgy Piggy, and Nana Nutella, and newcomers such as the Classic, Hot Hot, and Cookie Buter and Jelly. Once again, Viva La Waffle is ready to show that bread is for beginners.

 Viva La Waffle!