Franchise History
Franchise History
The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing from their extensive knowledge in the culinary field, they were able to offer this rare and delicious menu that has gained national acclaim. The Original Pancake House is a third and fourth generation family business, which takes great pride in maintaining the high standards that make our food exceptional.
Demanding only the very finest of ingredients, owners everywhere use 93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, fresh grade AA eggs, hard wheat unbleached flour, and our own recipe sourdough starter.
In addition, all batters, sauces and syrups are made fresh in every restaurant’s kitchen and orange juice is hand squeezed each morning.
The very first Original Pancake House, founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953.
Our Family History
Welcome to our house, where meals are shared, friendships are formed, and family traditions are our passion.
Our story began back in 1971 when Lisa’s Great Uncle Joe opened the doors to his first location in Hyde Park, Chicago. He went on to open 3 more locations in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and Oak Forest with the help of Lisa’s father, Don LaRoche.
Don was very passionate about teaching and spent lots of time training our amazing employees, many of which still work with us today. It wasn’t long before his daughter Lisa shared his passion. Lisa started as a hostess and server at the Oak Forest location while in high school. She developed wonderful relationships with employees and customers alike and knew this was the business for her.
Lisa graduated from Purdue University where she studied Restaurant/Hotel Management and Business. She met her husband Steve Sczurek at Purdue where he was studying Mechanical Engineering. Steve went on to get a master’s degree in Business and eventually gave up his engineering career to fully dedicate his time to learning the family business.
He is now fondly known as our “pancake engineer.”
The Original Pancake House, Gold Coast Chicago IL
A Legacy of Family & Flavor
In 2003, Lisa & Steve purchased all four franchise locations from Lisa’s parents and added another location in Orland Park, Illinois. The Sczurek’s are proud to call Orland Park their home where they are raising 5 children who can be seen around the restaurants serving customers, clearing tables, or enjoying some of their favorite breakfast choices. It is Steve & Lisa’s hope that some of their children will share their passion for the family business. They look forward to passing along wonderful family practices that began over 50 years ago with Uncle Joe.
So, stop in any of our five Chicagoland locations to share a meal, form new friendships and experience heart-warming family traditions.
From our family to yours, enjoy! We know you can taste the difference.
Your Hosts,
Steve & Lisa
Spreading Deliciousness Worldwide
With the quest for delicious pancakes rapidly growing, the first international location opened in Seoul, South Korea in 2013, and then in Tokyo, Japan a year later. There are now more than 130 locations worldwide. The Original Pancake House franchises are uniquely designed and privately owned, with varying menus.
Awards & Accolades
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