Your story matters.

Labor is the heartbeat of our Southern history. Sharing your story helps bring that history to life.

Hi, My name is Hailey Allen. I’m a PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’m collecting oral histories with people who have worked at Waffle House as part of my dissertation about labor, hospitality, and everyday life in the South today.

What’s this project about?

I believe the lives and stories of people who work at Waffle House are a vital part of American history. This project is intended to record and preserve those stories so they can be recognized, valued, and remembered by others.

How does it work?

  • Conversation style: An interview that feels like sitting down to talk over a meal.

  • Your choice: You decide what to share.

  • Confidentiality: You can choose to be named or remain anonymous.

  • No payment involved: Initial conversations are voluntary and uncompensated. In some cases, I may invite a few participants to continue longer interviews over time. Those participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card and a copy of my final dissertation/book.

Why participate?

Your voice helps shape a more complete picture of work, community, and care in the South. These oral histories will be used in my dissertation and may also support future public history projects.

Next steps

If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a time to talk, please fill out the form below or email me directly at hailey@motherphilosophy.com.

Let’s talk.

 FAQs

  • No. You can choose to use your real name, a first name only, or remain completely anonymous.

  • Yes — since this is an oral history project, the conversation will be recorded (audio only). But you’ll always have the choice of what to say and what not to say.

  • Most interviews last about the length of a meal — 45 minutes to an hour. But it can be shorter if that’s what works for you.

  • Ideally in person, somewhere you feel comfortable (even at a Waffle House if that’s your choice). If that’s not possible, we can arrange to talk by phone or video call.

  • Right now, your interview will be used for my dissertation at UNC–Chapel Hill. In the future, with your permission, it may also be part of public history projects (for example: a podcast, exhibit, or archive).

  • Initial participation is voluntary and not paid. Every story is important, and sharing yours helps preserve the experiences of Waffle House workers for future generations. In some cases, I may invite a few participants to continue with longer interviews over time. Those participants will receive a $50 Visa gift card as thanks, along with a copy of the completed dissertation/book.

  • Yes. You can stop the interview at any point, skip questions, or choose not to participate after all.

  • The easiest way is to fill out the interest form above. However, you can also email me directly at hailey@motherphilosophy.com and I will be in touch soon.