DaBaby Defends His Restaurant's Pricing, Suggests Waffle House for Cheaper Options
DaBaby responded to criticism over the prices at his new Charlotte restaurant, No Knife Chicken & Waffles. He defended the quality of his homemade waffles and suggested that those seeking cheaper options go to Waffle House. The menu includes items ranging from $15 plain waffles to a $45 signature cornbread waffle.
The Charlotte establishment offers a broad menu featuring ten waffle varieties alongside seafood options like lobster and crab cakes, with the most expensive item being a $45 cornbread waffle accompanied by three sides. DaBaby defended his pricing during a local news interview, emphasizing that his batter is made from scratch and that portions are substantial.
Entrepreneur Vivian Tu publicly supported the rapper, noting that similar price points are often accepted for other cuisines. On the music side, DaBaby recently released his album *Be More Grateful* in January, which included the charting single "Pop Dat Thang."
This pricing dispute could influence public perceptions of soul food dining, potentially challenging long-standing assumptions about affordability in that cuisine. It may also affect DaBaby's brand among local patrons, while sparking broader conversations about the economic realities of running independent restaurants. The exchange could encourage other celebrity restaurateurs to proactively justify their menu costs, or it might simply reinforce existing divides over what constitutes fair value in the food industry.