The Happy Waffle Serves Up Positivity and Delicious Waffles

Serving up more than just tasty treats to Lynchburg residents, The Happy Waffle is a beacon for positivity, community and mental health awareness.  

The local storefront and food truck — founded and owned by Jessica Wells — specializes in serving dessert-sized waffles on a stick. Better known as “waffle pops,” each sweet creation is adorned with an encouraging message. Before opening as a storefront, The Happy Waffle started as a traveling food truck going from festivals to weddings to private events, all while sharing encouragement with a side of confections.  

A year into operating from the food truck, The Happy Waffle had the opportunity to expand into its storefront location, which had a commercial kitchen and ample space for gathering. Located at 17980 Forest Road, Forest, Virginia, the grand opening of The Happy Waffle’s stationary location occurred Feb. 1. 

Wells said her entire career changed after her father suddenly passed away. Both she and her husband worked in a hospital’s operating room, and her father had been instrumental in their daily lives by taking their children to school. His sudden passing left Wells feeling lost and uncertain in both her family life and career.  

“It kind of changed our whole dynamic,” Wells said. “I then had to leave my career and I just felt so lost after that.” 

Amid her loss, Wells made the decision to begin therapy. This new step made a profound impact on her life; little did she know, attending therapy would become a pivotal influence in her journey.  

“Growing up in the generation I did, mental health was not talked about a lot,” Wells said. “I reached out to a local counseling service and began going, and it changed my whole life.” 

Mental health awareness has always been a fundamental aspect of The Happy Waffle. The idea of starting a food truck was first formed during a therapy session, and the business took off from there. Wells knew she wanted to spread positive messages on a stick, so the next step became deciding what item to place on the pop.  

“The positive messages on the stick was the first idea we had in our hope to infuse happiness into the dessert,” Wells said. “We love offering a delicious treat, but we honestly just say the waffle pop is just a vehicle to spreading positivity.” 

The Happy Waffle’s storefront features a resource section that provides information regarding local mental health and wellness services in the Lynchburg area. There is also a “mini store” which sells books such as “Atomic Habits” and cards with uplifting messages, allowing customers to leave with a sweet treat and a reminder that self-care is crucial.  

Inclusivity is at the heart of The Happy Waffle’s business. Wells wanted to consider everyone’s dietary needs and incorporated vegan and gluten free waffle batter choices into the menu. These options can be customized to whatever snack the customer desires, providing a unique experience for each person who visits.  

By taking a difficult loss and turning it into a beautiful business, Wells continues to serve up smiles to the Lynchburg community as she spreads her message of wellness to all she encounters.  

Long is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.