Talking Waffle House and State Fair Food with Singer Jake Owen

You’ve got to love a country star that loves Waffle House. Jake Owen, who recently dropped “Real Life,” the catchy single destined to become a summer anthem, sings about the popular regional chain in his new song: “Hit the Waffle House for some real food, but that waitress, she’s real rude, she got real problems, but we do too, so we tip her anyway.”

He even invited his fans via Twitter and Instagram to lunch at a Nashville Waffle House last week and managed to pack the place. No word on whether he likes his hash browns smothered AND covered.

The single’s album cover (above) even pays homage to the iconic Waffle House yellow-tile logo. But the photo shoot didn’t take place at a Waffle House; it occurred at another classic location — Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, a popular Nashville spot that’s been around for decades and is known for its soft-serve ice cream, burgers, and corn dogs. Owen, despite his trim frame, says he’s something of a corn dog aficionado, “because of all the years I spent playing county fairs and festivals.” He’s currently on the road as part of Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour so we sent him a few questions via email to learn more:

You mentioned you’re a corn dog expert. What makes for a good corn dog? Or are they pretty much all the same?
“The mustard. Other than that, it’s a corn dog.”

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten at a state fair?
“Fried Snickers… they are the best. Think of how awesome a Snickers is… then deep-fry it. Yeah! Exactly.”

Weirdest state fair food you’ve seen but didn’t eat?
“I eat anything.”

You’re in great shape. How do you manage to eat healthy while on the road? It’s not all fried Snickers, clearly.
“You just have to be diligent about it. It’s life. It’s about enjoying it, but being responsible at the same time.”

What was the inspiration for “Real Life”?
“Ummmmm… Life. The way it feels every day. The way it felt growing up.”

“Real Life” is now available here.