Wake up and smell the syrup

What is it: Just in time for the summer season, Wake up and Waffle is serving up its delicious liege waffles on Liberty Avenue in Vermilion. The Vermilion spot is the second location for Wake up and Waffle, whose flagship restaurant is in the Marketplace at the Cooke in downtown Sandusky.

“Vermilion was an opportunity that presented itself to us,” says co-owner Lauren Krueger. “We thought, why not try it? Vermilion has a lot of the same qualities of Sandusky being a vacation destination and a seasonal hot spot.”

What’s different: Differing from its sister storefront in Sandusky, the Vermilion location is a concession stand with outdoor seating and a “pared-down version” of the Sandusky menu, Krueger says, but will still serve Wake up and Waffle’s famous chicken and waffles. The new spot will serve a few items not on the Sandusky menus, including beer cheese with savory waffles and a new spin on their house-made pulled pork.

Vermilion’s hours will be slightly different from Sandusky’s hours of operation, as the Vermilion stand will stay open until 4 p.m. The Liberty Avenue location will be open seasonally from May until late fall.

What will stay the same: Never fear, those who frequent the Sandusky Wake up and Waffle spot: the Sandusky restaurant will remain open for its normal business days and hours.

“Sandusky Wake up and Waffle is our pride and joy,” Krueger says, “We absolutely love our home base in Sandusky and will continue to serve, smile and laugh with our wonderful waffle guests.” 

What’s next: Once the Vermilion location is running smoothly, Krueger says, she and her team are looking at other expansion options. The most important thing right now, though, is to make the Vermilion Wake up and Waffle just as successful as the Sandusky spot.

“We have learned that the locals are incredibly welcoming and love becoming a part of the community,” Krueger says. “So in Vermilion we want to be involved and grow with that community as well.”

How to get involved: Visit the Vermilion Wake up and Waffle at 5693 Liberty Ave. For menus and more, visit the Wake up and Waffle website or Facebook page.