Working through an economic funk

There’s only one place in Syracuse that sells a falafel waffle.

Funk ’n Waffles co-founders Adam Gold and Kyle Corea began experimenting with music and waffles while they were film students at Syracuse University.

“We brought that same [living room] vibe to the restaurant, so a lot of people feel like they’re just hanging out in our apartment,” Gold said. “But now we have a food service permit.”

The business started strong, he said. But then things changed.

“After the first year, it started to slow down a bit, I think mostly because our immediate friends had graduated,” he said. 

Fewer people dine at the restaurant lately, and those who do come in are ordering less, Gold said. The restaurant also has been hit by rising prices from suppliers.

Gold said he plans to raise prices with the debut of a new menu, including a wider variety of food and drinks, half-portions and combos. But he also plans to offer lunch catering and delivery.

"Students are only here for about eight months," Gold said. "But the hospitals are here all year long, and most of the staff at the university is here all year long."