2020: Waylon and his litter were born beneath The Earl in EAV, with deep Catlanta lineage. Their mother was nowhere to be found, so he spent his first eight weeks in the care of a local cat lady. He was one of five. He was adopted in April.

His big brother Rio, a beloved 10-year-old pit boxer mix, showed him the ropes early on—especially how to be “a good boy.” When Waylon turned two, he spent a year with Mary Lou Heidt, Ben’s Nana, before her passing nearly a year later. Under her loving care, he was classically trained in etiquette, even learning to rinse his paws in the faucet before and after meals.

During holiday dinner parties, Waylon discovered his love of hosting—and, more intensely, his love of duck. One nibble was all it took; he's been wailing for more ever since. On Blueblood Prep Day, he won’t jump on the counter—unless duck is on the menu. We've even caught him listening in on menu discussions and making subtle gestures of approval when duck is mentioned. He’s a fanatic: raw, cooked, confit, pâté—he doesn’t discriminate.

Waylon is a very social cat, drawn to affection and attention. He now recognizes when we begin arranging the dining room—it’s time to prepare. Though sometimes overwhelmed by strangers sitting in his favorite sun-basking chairs, he still makes his rounds: smelling shoes, rubbing legs, accepting gentle pets. His headbutt signals approval. That said, some tables have experienced his subtle disapproval. On four separate occasions, guests stood to leave only to find their shoelaces mysteriously untied—without a sound.

He’s learned the best seat in the house is wherever the dishes land. He often sequesters himself there until dessert. Despite his obsession with duck, Waylon manages his caloric intake with surprising discipline—a fat-cat attitude in a litter-box model’s body. Once fed, he resumes socializing, rubbing shoulders with guests. On rare occasions, he plays secret shopper, blending in unnoticed among patrons until his dramatic reveal at the end of the night.

In the off-season, HQ is his domain. He handles all managerial duties while we’re out making money—emailing, managing the IG, cleaning, and all the behind-the-scenes clerical work. Waylon isn’t just a mascot—he’s part of the show, a core member of the team, and a beloved companion to Ben (Nick) and Jared (Wick). Speaking on behalf of Nana and Rio—rest in peace—he makes us proud with his charm and sweetness..