Hampton by Hilton Unveils First‑Ever Waffle Bosses for National Waffle Day

McLEAN, Va. – Hampton by Hilton is celebrating National Waffle Day (August 24) by unveiling its first-ever group of Hampton Waffle Bosses. This trio of exceptional breakfast hosts from around the globe have been recognized for their outstanding skills in creating innovative recipes for Hampton’s signature and seasonal waffle flavors. The Waffle Boss title, awarded as part of the brand’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, is the culmination of an internal talent search in collaboration with the iconic Paris Hilton. These Waffle Bosses exemplify Hampton’s signature service culture, bringing to life a warm, welcoming spirit through their unique waffle creations and exceptional service at breakfast—two hallmarks of the Hampton experience.

Known for popularizing the fresh, baked-by-guests Belgian waffle as part of its free hot breakfast, Hampton by Hilton continues to lead the breakfast scene. The newly appointed Waffle Bosses will serve as breakfast ambassadors, representing Hampton’s beloved breakfast experience. Over the coming year, the Waffle Bosses will share their expertise through tips, tricks, and recipes, inspiring guests to enhance their waffle creations both during their stays and at home. They will also feature in upcoming content, events, and promotional activities, spreading Hampton’s renowned service-with-a-smile globally. Earlier this summer, they traveled to London to film with Paris Hilton, and this exclusive content will be available on Hampton’s social media channels in the coming weeks.

“At Hampton by Hilton, our unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality is reflected in every detail of the guest experience. From our complimentary hot breakfast to the warm, welcoming service our team members passionately deliver to every guest,” said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, senior vice president and brand leader, Hampton by Hilton.  “We strive to deliver a stay that feels truly special. Our Waffle Bosses and breakfast attendants are a testament to this dedication, bringing a touch of magic to each morning with their creative mastery of our signature and seasonal waffles, further enhancing our brand’s reputation as a breakfast innovator.”

Hampton’s talented Waffle Bosses went above and beyond in spreading breakfast joy and were awarded the role for their ability to provide reliable and friendly service that makes every guest feel welcome during their stay.

This niche was initially shaped by Regina Triche, a former breakfast attendant at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Jacksonville in Jacksonville, North Carolina, who was affectionately known as “The Waffle Lady” by her fans.

Meet the newly crowned Waffle Bosses below and find out how they aim to make every stay deliciously unforgettable.

Beverly Christmas – A Passion for People... and Waffles

Beverly Christmas 

Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris

Paris, Illinois

Beverly Christmas, a retired nurse with 30 years of service, has always been dedicated to caring for people. After her nursing career, Beverly found a new passion in working at Hampton, where her love for cooking and knack for making guests feel valued led to a rewarding second career.

At Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris in Paris, Illinois, Beverly began crafting the hotel’s beloved waffles soon after joining the team. “When I discovered I could make my own waffles, I was in heaven,” Beverly said.

Beverly infuses creativity into each waffle she makes. Her lemon waffles come with a lemon-shaped cutting board, birthday waffles feature party hats and noisemakers, and her fall waffles are served with a charcuterie board of cinnamon swirls and waffles.

Guests often try to replicate Beverly’s unique waffle creations, and she delights in seeing their inventive attempts in the breakfast room.

As a Waffle Boss, Beverly aims to develop new specialty waffle recipes for Hampton hotels nationwide, starting with a savory bacon and eggs waffle. Her drive and determination stem from her upbringing on a farm, where her parents’ hard work inspired her to pursue her dreams with unwavering dedication.

“This is just the greatest opportunity ever,” Beverly said.

Salif Raymond – A Culinary Craftsman

Salif Raymond

Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach

Cayman Islands

Salif Raymond isn’t a fan of early wakeup calls, but he’s embraced them throughout his career. Along the way, early mornings have turned out to be the perfect time to come up with imaginative new waffle varieties. In 2022, Salif joined the team at Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach, where he found a new outlet for his creativity.

“They say once you do what you love, it’s not work,” Salif said.

With a background in arts, Salif’s hands-on approach and creativity seamlessly transitioned into the culinary world. He takes pride in designing waffle presentations that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. For Salif, the true secret ingredient is the joy he sees in his guests.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a family enjoy a waffle together,” Salif said. “The smiles on their faces make me feel like I’ve done something right.”

Salif believes a waffle can set the tone for a great day. He has crafted ten custom waffle recipes, ranging from sweet and fruity to savory and chocolaty. His dedication to perfecting these recipes has led to memorable moments, such as a guest knocking on the kitchen door to praise his waffle as one of the best she’d had in years of travel.

Salif attributes his success to the passion behind his creations. “When you put your love and interest into something, it really shows, and that translates into human feelings and emotions,”  Salif said. This passion has earned him the title of Waffle Boss.

Chris Smith – Waffle Wizard by Day, Student by Night

Chris Smith

Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe

U.K.

Born in High Wycombe and currently residing in Wembley, Chris Smith grew up in a family of entertainers, with his father dedicating 30 years to supplying animals to film and television projects. Initially pursuing a film career himself, Chris found his true calling in hospitality during a stint at a hotel in Beaconsfield. There, he discovered a passion for connecting with guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This newfound enthusiasm led him to join Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe as a front office manager. He later pivoted to the food and beverage sector, where he now thrives, blending his creative talents with his hospitality expertise. 

“I love it because I don’t feel like I’m actually going to work,” Chris said. “It feels magical to interact with people from all walks of life. The energy you bring is returned to you.”

To Chris, a waffle is more than a breakfast staple; it’s a canvas for creativity and a way to add magic to guests’ stays. He has crafted over a thousand waffles, serving up classic toppings like bananas and chocolate, as well as custom-order creations. In fact, Chris played a pivotal role in Hilton’s recent English Breakfast Waffle Trio campaign, where he showcased his innovation by creating unique waffle recipes inspired by traditional British breakfasts. From black pudding and bacon to tomato and mushroom, his inventive approach has added a fresh twist to the classic waffle, delighting guests and elevating their breakfast experience.

“You’re not just giving them a waffle. You’re making it; it’s like creating art. It’s live and in the moment,” Chris said.

In addition to his role at Hampton by Hilton, Chris is pursuing a business management degree at London Metropolitan University, aiming for a well-rounded career in hospitality.

Chris believes in the power of food to bring people together, and his work at Hampton reaffirms his commitment to making meaningful connections—a passion that first drew him to Hilton.

As the brand’s 40^th year celebration continues, the Waffle Bosses follow the recent introduction of Hampton’s Birthday Cake Waffles.  With innovative seasonal flavors on rotation throughout the year, Hampton invites guests to start their day with its signature free hot breakfast at more than 2,400 Hampton by Hilton properties across the U.S. and Canada through the end of the month.

To learn more about Hampton by Hilton and its new Waffle Bosses, please visit stories.hilton.com/hampton and HamptonbyHilton.com.