Breakfast Restaurant Serving Up More Growth in Georgia

A new agreement will bring another location of an all-day breakfast franchise to the Peach State.

The new Huddle House restaurant in Pembroke come from Robert Wiggins Jr., a longtime franchisee with existing locations in Hazlehurst, Baxley, Alma, Claxton and Reidsville. As part of the agreement, the Wiggins family has also added two formerly corporate-owned Huddle House locations in Douglas and one in Swainsboro to its portfolio.

Robert’s son who is also leading the venture, Trey Wiggins, told What Now Atlanta that if all goes well, they expect the new Pembroke location to be open by the end of the summer. Restaurant franchising running in the family.

“A long time ago, my grandpa into Hardee’s in 1978 and had 26 of those, sold in the mid 90s,” he said. “My dad got back into restaurants and various different chains and franchises, and even some independents.”

He said that Pembroke is being eyed for Huddle House because it fits the profile of where the brand usually thrives.

“Huddle House does well in small towns,” he said. “There are not a lot of sit-down options. The customers want and need that, which is important.”

He also notes the appeal of the development in the area, with a manufacturing facility from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America expected to bring more than 8,000 jobs.

Huddle House first opened in Decatur in 1964. There are now more than 300 locations open or in development across the U.S., with existing operators often reinvesting in the brand. In the past two years, more than 10 franchise owners have signed new agreements with Huddle House.

The menu includes breakfast biscuits, breakfast tacos, omelets, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers and more. (Wiggins recommends the Meat Lover’s Omelet and sings the praises of the pancakes and the crispy hashbrowns.)

Huddle House is an Ascent Hospitality Management brand.

“We are thrilled to see Robert continue expanding the Huddle House footprint,” Huddle House Senior Director of Development Kayla Edidin said in a statement shared with What Now Atlanta. “His dedication to the brand and deep operational experience make him the perfect partner to help us strengthen our presence and serve more communities across the state.”