Original Pancake House History

Our Family 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, and broad working experience of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes, they were able to offer this rare and delicious menu that has gained national acclaim. The Original Pancake House is a second and third 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 and sauces are made fresh in every restaurant’s kitchen and orange juice is hand squeezed each morning.

Original Pancake House History of the

Still standing in Portland, Oregon where the first Original Pancake House was founded in 1952.

Original Pancake House Chicagoland

Spreading Deliciousness Worldwide

With the quest for delicious pancakes rapidly growing, the first international location opened in Seoul, South Korea in 2013, and then Kichijoji, Tokyo, Japan a year later.  There are now more than one hundred-thirty sites worldwide. 

Although The Original Pancake House Franchises are uniquely designed and privately owned, with varying menus, we are all proud of the following:

Discover Our Locations

Original Pancake House Chicago

1124 W Washington Blvd · Chicago, Illinois 60607

5140 West 159th Street · Chicago, IL 60614

22 East Bellevue Place · Chicago, IL 6061

616 W. Diversey Parkway · Chicago, Illinois 60614 

15256 South La Grange Rd · Orland Park, IL 60462

1358 East 47th Street · Chicago, IL 60653