Waffle House restaurants were named in early March the official "Tour Breakfast and Coffee" of the 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia, North America's premier cycling event and rolling festival. As an official sponsor, the 24-hour restaurant chain will activate its sponsorship at over 300 restaurants across Georgia.

"Having a new and promotionally engaging partner like Waffle House is a huge boost for the Ford Tour de Georgia. Their support to our volunteer program, as well as hospitality services at all start locations is greatly appreciated. Personally, I couldn't think of a better way to start the race every day," said Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, the sports marketing agency licensed to operate the Tour.

On-site activation includes participation in the Yellow Jersey Club, the official start Hospitality area of the Tour. Waffle House restaurants will serve a complimentary breakfast at all six Start Host Cities (August, Fayetteville, Chickamauga, Dalton, Blairsville/Union County, and Cumming). Ticket holders to this area, and race officials, will enjoy pastries, breakfast and lunch wraps, Minute Maid Orange Juice and Waffle House coffee. The Georgia-based restaurant company will also provide free coffee samples to spectators at the Start Line areas.

"Waffle House restaurants proudly support the communities in which we are located. Each restaurant supports local organizations and community events like the Ford Tour de Georgia. This event is a great promotional tool to showcase our restaurants across a large geographic area, and bring a taste of Waffle House to the event itself," said Pat Warner, VP Communications for Waffle House, Inc.

Waffle House restaurants plan to display official Tour posters in all Georgia restaurants and provide discount key fobs for the Ford Tour de Georgia, which will provide a discount on meals in the month of April to all 4,000 Tour volunteers. At the event, Waffle House restaurants will receive signage and exclusive rights to breakfast food and coffee service with the hospitality areas.