High Tide Haven’s oldest—and only—floating diner, The Wave & Waffle has been slinging stacks and pouring bottomless mugs of coffee since time immemorial (or at least as long as anyone can remember through the sea mist). Part greasy spoon, part community hub, it’s where locals, drifters, and tourists alike gather to swap stories, argue over the best tide pools, and enjoy food that somehow tastes better at 3 a.m.

The chrome trim may be salt-pitted, and the neon may flicker like it’s haunted (because it is), but the booths are always warm, the chatter is always lively, and no one’s ever turned away. Pirates sit alongside poets, mermaids mix with surfers, and everyone leaves a little more part of the Coral Coast than when they came in.

On the menu: waffles thicker than a sea turtle’s shell, milkshakes strong enough to bring a ghost back to life (ask Delma Rae), and the kind of “chef’s special” you’ll only order once—but remember forever.

The Wave & Waffle isn’t just a diner. It’s a safe harbor, an all-welcome table, and the beating heart of High Tide Haven’s chaos and comfort.

Howard J. Turtlington

Proprietor & Host

Once a roguish pirate with a knack for raiding snack barrels instead of treasure chests, Howard J. Turtlington eventually traded in plunder for waffles. After years of high-seas mischief (and a fair amount of indigestion), HoJo anchored himself at High Tide Haven and bought The Wave & Waffle when the previous owner retired — a tidal diner where good food and tall tales are always on the menu.

Now reformed as a “peacemaker,” Howard presides over the Coral Coast with the easygoing charm of a seasoned sailor and the bottomless appetite of, well, a turtle who’s never met a snack he didn’t like. Though he’s mellowed, his mischievous streak still peeks through — whether in the form of playful banter with customers, or elaborate waffle specials that may or may not be edible.

Reputation: Beloved by locals, equal parts host, storyteller, and snack critic. The diner may wobble, but HoJo keeps it floating.

Personality: Warm, affable, and just chaotic enough to keep things interesting.

Quirks: Known for grandiose introductions, sneaking bites off unattended plates, and “taste-testing” every dish more than once.

Waitress (Deceased… technically)

Delma Rae has been serving bottomless coffee refills and side-eye at the Wave & Waffle since the doors first opened. In fact, she’s been at it so long she didn’t even notice when she passed away — she just kept working. One minute she was reaching for a fresh pot of coffee, the next she was a ghost. Didn’t faze her. Customers still need their eggs and hash browns, after all.

With a voice that can cut through diner clatter and a dry wit, Delma Rae is less “bubbly waitress” and more “seen it all, ain’t impressed.” She’s dependable, unflappable, and not above a little sarcasm — especially when Howard channels her through that not-so-standard Magic 8 Ball.

  • Personality: Deadpan, hardworking, perpetually unimpressed.
  • Quirks: Coffee pots never run out when she’s around, and menus sometimes flip open by themselves.
  • Reputation: The Wave & Waffle’s backbone. If you ask the regulars, the diner would fall apart without her (and she’d agree — bluntly).

Delma Rae




Clawrence Lafayette Thibideaux-Étouffée

Grillmaster

If the sizzle of the grill is the heart of The Wave & Waffle, Clawrence is the fire that keeps it alive — sometimes literally. Quick-witted, street-smart, and just a pinch too comfortable with open flame, he’s equal parts cook and chaos engine. Though his claws may never quite pass food safety inspection, his grill work keeps the regulars coming back for more.

A master of gossip as much as grilling, Clawrence has a way of knowing everyone’s business before they do. He peppers his conversations with Cajun wisdom, corny quips, and the occasional explosion from his latest “flame-griddled” experiment. Ask him for a lighter and he’ll grin — he’s always carrying one, even though he’s not technically allowed to use it.

  • Personality: Sharp, fiery, and full of swagger — a natural foil to Rascal’s antics.
  • Quirks: Spells his name with an -eaux “for distinction,” swears every scorch mark is “intentional flair,” and treats love and gumbo with equal reverence.
  • Reputation: A little dangerous, a lot charismatic, and always the loudest laugh in the kitchen.

Favorite Sayings:

  • “It’s pronounced TIB-uh-doh. The ‘x’ is silent, but deadly.”
  • “If it ain’t charred, it ain’t charming.”
  • “That wasn’t an accident, it was dramatic effect.”