The Secret to the Mom-and-Pop Restaurant, Dame’s “Almost” World Famous Chicken & Waffles

Article By Chance Wilson

Let’s start this off right—have you heard of chicken and waffles?

Ok… let me choose a better question. Have you had chicken and waffles from Dame’s “Almost” World Famous Chicken & Waffles? No? Then let me take you there.

The place is owned by Damion “Dame” Moore and Randy Wadsworth. They co-founded the restaurant in 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. I didn’t have a chance to meet the owners, but I met the food—up close and personal.

With such a widely known dish, it’s hard to break down all the tiny little details that make theirs stand out, but I’ll try.

For starters, the waffle is like a fluffy mix of vanilla crème flavors with the comfort of a semi-sweet cake. Now, who doesn’t love a good slice of warm, buttery cake? If that’s not you, then you’re better off ordering a glass of tap water and ignoring the reasons why this place is a known destination.

Let me just be clear—not all waffles are created equal. And if you remember the days of the “L'Eggo My Eggo” frozen breakfast era, you’ll appreciate any advancement in the waffle community. You can see my excitement, but this is just where it starts—because that’s just the base.

With that flavorful foundation laid down, get ready for what they top the dish off with. No need to wait, because it’s an American staple. Yes! It’s fried chicken—but that’s an understatement.

For me, most fried chicken carries a similar flavor profile: garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.

But Dame’s was born a little different, and I’ll explain just how different.

How about this—the chicken was seasoned so well that I purchased their homemade seasoning mix before I left.

Funny thing is, it was like a visit to Fort Knox to retrieve a bar of gold. That might sound exaggerated, but the manager grabbed her keys when I requested a bag and said, “Let me see if there’s any left.”

I didn’t know if she was serious or if I needed a credit check for a spice blend.

Fortunately, I must’ve been lucky that day because I left with the goods—spices, that is with no ding to my credit score.

What made the experience even better was the staff, who managed a packed restaurant with ease and kept the waffles coming. I can see why this local business has grown to three locations.

So, if you ever have the opportunity to try this place out, make sure you wear your good jogging pants—and fluff the pillow in the car.

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