affle House, headquartered in Norcross, Ga., has been a cash-only outfit since the first restaurant opened in nearby Avondale Estates in 1955.

Now, 495,264,367 waffles, 1,527,602,959 eggs, 1,108,574,633 orders of grits and 786,449,152 bacon strips later, the restaurant has joined the digital age. By the end of this month, all 713 of its company-owned restaurants will accept credit card payments.

"We wanted to make sure credit cards were here to stay before we started accepting them," joked Waffle House Vice President Walt Ehmer. "Seriously, we listen to our customers to find ways to enhance their Waffle House experience, and accepting credit cards was the biggest suggestion we heard."

A total of 1,500 Waffle Houses (including 787 franchises) span 25 states in the United States and are especially popular in the Southeast. A smattering of Waffle House franchises already accept credit cards or have ATMs on site, and the company expects far more of them "to jump on board pretty quickly with credit cards," said Pat Warner, the company's Director of Communications.

In addition to breakfast fare, this slice of Americana is also known for its chili, hamburgers, T-bone steaks, soup and pie served with a smile - Southern-style. The company is not yet prepared to disclose any terms concerning its bankcard processing, but Warner did say, "It'll be well worth the percentage we pay the credit card companies to provide this convenience to our customers.

"Many of them grew up and went to college knowing that we're cash only, and it's a standard joke with them that they have to go to an ATM first whenever they want to enjoy some of their favorite foods. This step really is all about making things easier for them."