# Sneaky Snack Shows 'The Waffle Shop' Lures Customers for Conversation in a Talk Show By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-11-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-waffle-shop References: [dwell](http://www.dwell.com/articles/one-to-chew-on.html) & [waffleshop.org](http://www.waffleshop.org/) 'The Waffle Shop' capitalizes on the fact that food brings people together. Opened by Jon Rubin, this [1970s-style talk show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/progressives-dr-rick) serves up a flavorful community experience from inside a small Pittsburgh store. Ultimately, 'The Waffle Shop' creates a unique environment for diverse social interaction not unlike [Kramer's 'Merv Griffin Show' on Seinfeld](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chilis-scranton-branch). 'The Waffle Shop' entices the public with a setting for the unreserved exchange of opinions, ideas and dance moves, turing a [breakfast bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle-breakfast-sandwich) into a public pow-wow. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Community-driven Talk Shows:** Opportunity for businesses to create engaging experiences by combining entertainment and social interaction. - **Food as a Catalyst for Conversation:** Innovative dining establishments can leverage the power of food to foster meaningful dialogue and connection among customers. - **Transforming Traditional Spaces:** Reimagining the purpose of existing spaces, such as a breakfast bar, can result in novel and unexpected experiences for customers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Entertainment:** Incorporating elements of talk shows into entertainment venues can offer a fresh and immersive experience for audiences. - **Food and Beverage:** Restaurants and cafes can leverage the concept of using food to facilitate conversation to create a unique selling point and attract customers. - **Retail:** Retailers can explore the idea of transforming their spaces into community hubs where customers can gather, connect, and engage in open dialogues. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [TV Show Latte Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latte-larrys.md) - [Waffle-Inspired Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chaco-x-waffle-house.md) - [Private Sharing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle.md) - [Social-First Snack Comedies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzelized.md) - [QSR Game Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qsr-game-show.md) - [Food Court Footwear Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-spot.md) - [Zesty Pickle-Infused Waffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-waffles.md) - [40s-Style Breakfast Diners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/early-birds-diner.md) - [Grab-and-Go Waffle Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chicken-wafflewich.md)