Former Oceanfront breakfast staple reopens as Atlantic Waffle Co.
Mar 21, 2025
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — In July 2023, a fire tore through several Oceanfront businesses, including the Maple Tree Pancake House, which was lost to the flames. But now, almost two years later, it's open again — only this time with a different name and different owner.
The former Maple Tr
ee Pancake House is now the Atlantic Waffle Company, and if you were a fan of the old business, you won't be disappointed.
July 11, 2023 — the date the fire destroyed these businesses is still fresh in Matthew Vakos' mind. "Hard to explain — a complete sense of loss for the businesses that were here, [and] for our family," Vakos said. "We'd had the building for many generations."The owners of the Maple Tree Pancake House retired shortly after. Vakos' family managed the property and decided to rebuild, keeping the location true to its breakfast roots."Even before I was born, this location was actually my mother's and father's—they had it as a restaurant," Vakos said. "It was called Linda's Pancake House. And this was before the Maple Tree days."And if you were here in the Maple Tree days, you'll see a lot of familiar faces."Reino Lindroos, who owned the Maple Tree, they created a family," Vakos said. "A lot of these people, we called them up and they came right back."This is Chuck Burnett's first time here ever, but already, he's a fan."It's very nice, I like the way it's decorated, very open, airy," Burnett said. "Food's good, staff is very helpful and courteous. So, I think they've got a winner."A plate Vakos is excited about is the Waffles O'Benni — eggs benedict, bacon and ham on two small Belgian waffles or pancakes. The grand opening was March 8. On St. Patrick's Day, the line to be seated stretched out the door and down the block — a testament to the loyalty of this community."With the tragedy that we've been through, it's nice to know that there is some light at the end of the tunnel, and you can find some good in all that's bad out there,” Vakos said.Atlantic Waffle Company is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ...read more read less
