DAYTONA BEACH, FL — A 34-year-old man identified as Cody Ray Thibodaux was arrested early Sunday morning after breaking into a closed Waffle House on International Speedway Boulevard and, according to police, “cooking himself a surprisingly competent All-Star Special.”

Hash Browns: Scattered, Smothered, and Felonious

Officers responded to a burglar alarm at approximately 3:47 a.m. and arrived to find Thibodaux seated at the counter in a booth, eating a plate of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Surveillance footage shows him entering through an unlocked back window, washing his hands, donning a clean apron, and firing up the flattop grill with what investigators described as “disturbing proficiency.”

“He even wiped down the grill when he was done,” said responding officer Sgt. Denise Collazo of the Daytona Beach Police Department. “The night crew doesn’t do that. Honestly, I was a little impressed before I remembered I had to arrest him.”

“I just wanted waffles, man. The sign says open 24 hours. That’s a promise. That’s a social contract.” — Cody Ray Thibodaux, during booking

Staff arriving for the morning shift confirmed that Thibodaux had indeed left a $20 bill on the counter next to his plate, along with a napkin note reading “sorry bout the window — food was mid.” Despite the gesture, management is pressing charges.

Thibodaux was booked into the Volusia County Jail on charges of burglary of an unoccupied structure and petit theft. His booking photo, now trending on JailReport.lol, shows him smiling with what appears to be syrup on his collar. He is being held on $2,500 bond.