# DaBaby's No Knife Chicken & Waffles faces price debate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dababy-opens-restaurant-in-charlotte
> Updated: 2026-09-09T17:39:52.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Rapper DaBaby, born Jonathan Kirk, has launched a new culinary venture, No Knife Chicken & Waffles, in North Charlotte. The restaurant is an extension of his “Cooking with Kirk” social media series.

Following the grand opening on September 6, the establishment drew large crowds and significant attention. While some patrons reported high food quality, the restaurant has faced online debate regarding its pricing and long wait times. Reported menu items include a $15 plain waffle and a $45 Soulfood Cornbread Waffle. Some customers experienced waits of up to three hours to dine.

In response to social media criticism regarding costs—including $6 bottled water and the requirement to purchase chicken separately for an additional $10—DaBaby defended the pricing in a radio interview. He stated the menu offers an “elevated dining experience” and argued that ingredients like homemade cornbread and fresh sweet potatoes justify the expense. He remarked, “this is really a $100 waffle!” and suggested that customers seeking more budget-friendly options could visit Waffle House.

## Claims

- Customers can add six chicken wings to a waffle for an additional $10. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A reporter waited three hours for food at the restaurant. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- DaBaby has not directly addressed social media criticism regarding his restaurant's prices. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Waffle prices at No Knife Chicken & Waffles range from $15 for plain to $45 for specialty toppings. (single source)
- Bottled water is priced at $6 at the establishment. (single source)
- No Knife Chicken & Waffles opened on Atando Avenue on a Sunday morning. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: DaBaby's No Knife Chicken & Waffles faces price debate in Charlotte

Rapper DaBaby's new Charlotte restaurant, No Knife Chicken & Waffles, is facing social media backlash over high menu prices, including $45 waffles and $6 bottled water.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dababy-opens-no-knife-chicken-waffles-in-charlotte

### 2026-09-07: DaBaby opens No Knife Chicken & Waffles restaurant in Charlotte

Rapper DaBaby has opened No Knife Chicken & Waffles in North Charlotte, transitioning his “Cooking with Kirk” social media series into a brick-and-mortar Southern comfort food restaurant.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dababy-opens-no-knife-chicken-waffles-restaurant-in-charlotte

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Cite as: DaBaby's No Knife Chicken & Waffles faces price debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dababy-opens-restaurant-in-charlotte