New Waffle Cabin Brings Taste of Vermont to Ocean City Boardwalk

This post was reported and written by Patch contributor Amanda Cimpeanu. 

Walking down the Ocean City Boardwalk eating a waffle has never been easier. At least that’s what Scott and Marci Shapiro, owners of The Waffle Cabin, think.

The new business opened Memorial Day Weekend, despite the rain, and served up the company’s famous proprietary waffles to boardwalk patrons.

The store, adorned with log-cabin wallpaper and an icicle awning, on the Boardwalk at 11th Street. Not your average waffle, this one packs a punch of caramelized sweet sugar and warm goodness all at once.

The Waffle Cabin was founde in Boston by Peter Creyf and Ingrid Heyrman in 1998. After the initial venture failed, the owners sent samples to Killington, Vt., and received wonderful feedback. Today, 21 corporate Waffle Cabin stores can be found at the most popular ski resorts, along with three franchised ones.

Ocean City is the first and only location that has a much different view than the snow.

After tasting the product in Vermont, Scott Shapiro immediately knew he wanted to get into the business. And where better than his childhood vacation spot, Ocean City?

The waffle dough comes from Vermont. In the middle of the Boardwalk creation is a pearl of powdered sugar. They are made fresh as they are ordered, taking only 3 minutes. While cooking, the waffle caramelizes, creating  a sweet, yet not sticky glaze. The waffle is then placed in a wax paper, napkin combination and handed directly to the customer.  Each waffle is less than 400 calories.

Only one topping is available, since the product stands alone, and that’s top of the line Belgium chocolate, says Richard Adkins.

“The owners are from Belgium and when they came here, they really saw a way to improve the recipe. We don’t offer toppings — it takes away from the waffle and at the resorts people are skiing, we had to limit it.”

If you’re looking for a group treat, the Waffle Cabin offers a serving box and coffee for morning breakfasts or late night desserts.

“When people walk by and smell the waffles, a lot will recognize the smell from the ski resorts and realize it is the same waffle,” says general manager David Shapiro. “So far we have had the same people every morning, and they just cannot believe how unbelievably delicious it is.”

While Ocean City is far from Vermont, the company hopes to put many Waffle Cabins into the beach communities.

“As summer opens up we hope to participate with the community. We have many ideas for events and such,” says David.

To try the waffles for yourself, head to Waffle Cabin on 11th and boardwalk. You can also find them on Facebook, or head to their website.