WaffleCo

WaffleCo is one of many members of the coalition known as The Syndicate.

Since 2369, WaffleCo has been leaving consumers, competitors, and addiction therapists alike wondering how they make the best waffles in the known universe. Originally known as Van Droogenbroeck Foodstuffs, founder Vincenzo Van Droogenbroeck noticed his waffles outsold the rest of his offerings by far - as such he rebranded the company in 2388. But what makes those waffles so damn good?

The answer may lie in their production, seeing as their factories represent something out of a 20th-century British childrens' novel. Form is prioritized over function to such a degree that it's a shock they produce anything at all, let alone so effectively. Most notable are the "Impie Wimpies" they have provide the bulk of their labor force - this strange dwarven race is seldom seen outside of WaffleCo factories, begging the question of their origins. Some have alleged the company may in fact dabble in magic, for lack of a logical explanation.

At the dawn of the 26th Century, WaffleCo expanded into the restaurant industry with their "Waffelhaus" chain. While not quite as eccentric as their factories or product advertisements, they made a name for themselves by managing to remain open even in the wake of catastrophes. Disaster survivors made a habit of seeking out their yellow roofs with the knowledge that a warm meal awaited them if the lights were still on.

As for why WaffleCo hates Nanotrasen so much? It's not because of repeated attempts to steal their secret formula, considering The Donk Company is guilty of the same thing - hell, Donk leadership has publicly stated their intent to do so, yet the two can put their differences aside just enough to both serve the Syndicate. It's not that they're a particularly formidable contender in the packaged food or restaurant industries either. Nanotrasen largely leaves those up to its subsidiaries with the exception of the "Discount Dan" brand, which could be described as "flawed at best". Legend has it a Nanotrasen employee cut in front of Droogenbroeck at a Space-Mart, meaning they got the accolades and rewards of being their trillionth customer instead of him. This enraged him to the point of declaring war on the company at large, a losing battle before his company joined the Syndicate.

Although current CEO Pan Cackle doesn't hold the same seething hatred for Nanotrasen as his predecessor, he does fear the consequences of leaving the Syndicate before Donk Co. does. Cackle does see a silver lining however: that this conflict's lead to some of the funniest shit he's ever seen. Fortunately for him, WaffleCo has no shortage of folks willing to carry out their bidding.