By Trendsetter Tribune 
NASHVILLE — A routine late-night meal turned into a six-figure legal battle after 62-year-old Gregory Lynn Hall filed a lawsuit against Waffle House, alleging he was brutalized by a security guard in riot gear over a hash brown order. The lawsuit, unsealed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, claims that Hall was blinded with bear spray, shot with a Taser, and zip-tied during a confrontation that escalated from a simple kitchen dispute.
The incident has reignited the national conversation regarding the “combat-ready” reputation of Waffle House security and the limits of non-lethal force.
The Incident: From Profanity to Bear Spray
According to the complaint filed in a Tennessee court, Hall visited a Nashville-area Waffle House to order a “hash brown bowl.” The situation allegedly deteriorated when Hall found himself in the middle of a domestic dispute between the staff.
- The Kitchen Conflict: Hall claims the cook was shouting profanities at a server, who was also the cook’s wife. When Hall attempted to place his order with the woman, the cook allegedly told her to “get the ‘f’ back over there.”
- The Photograph: After finally placing his order, Hall took a photo of the cook to document the behavior. This reportedly prompted a uniformed security guard to order Hall to leave the premises.
- The “Riot Gear” Transformation: When Hall refused to leave without his food, the lawsuit alleges the guard went to his truck and returned wearing full riot gear.
The Takedown: Mace, Taser, and Zip-Ties
The lawsuit paints a vivid picture of the use of force that followed:
- Chemical Deterrent: The guard allegedly sprayed Hall in the face with bear spray, a substance significantly more potent than standard pepper spray.
- Electrical Force: As a disoriented Hall tried to back away outside, the guard used a Taser, sending “strong waves of electricity” through his body and causing him to collapse.
- Restraint: Once on the ground, the guard reportedly placed a knee in Hall’s back and bound his hands with plastic zip-ties.
The Legal Battle: Seeking $300,000
Hall is seeking $150,000 in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages, citing medical costs, physical pain, and “serious mental injury” including anxiety and loss of sleep.
| Party | Legal Defense / Argument |
| Waffle House | Admits the guard ordered Hall to leave but denies full responsibility. They argue that if Hall wins, his own “percentage of fault” (for refusing to leave) should reduce the payout. |
| S&S Management | The management firm claims the guard “was acting outside the course and scope of his employment” and violated company policies. |
| The Plaintiff | Argues that Waffle House breached its “duty to protect” customers from harm and that the security guard acted “at the behest” of the staff. |
“Late Night Fight Club” Context
The case arrives amid a broader cultural discussion about Waffle House’s identity as “America’s late-night fight club.” While the brand is known for its 24/7 reliability, a string of viral videos showing staff engaged in physical altercations has forced the company to defend its security protocols.
In this specific case, the use of zip-ties and riot gear has drawn particular scrutiny from legal analysts, who question whether such equipment is appropriate for a hospitality environment.
“Mr. Hall suffered serious mental injury… which resulted directly from the battery committed at the behest of the Waffle House employee.” — Hall’s Complaint, Feb 2026
What’s Next?
Both sides have entered into a protective order to keep certain sensitive information confidential. The case is currently scheduled to go to trial on April 13, 2027, unless a settlement is reached beforehand.