Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House is a breakfast-focused restaurant chain known for its scratch-made pancakes and classic morning fare. The company was founded in 1953 in Portland, Oregon by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, who built the brand on their deep knowledge of regional and international pancake traditions. One of the earliest milestones in its history was the opening of its first franchised location in Anaheim, California in 1958, which set the stage for steady national expansion.

As of November 2025, The Original Pancake House operates over 100 restaurants throughout the United States and select international markets, including recent entries in Japan and South Korea. The brand has grown primarily through franchising, with new stores opening in both established regions and emerging markets. California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Japan are among the company’s priority growth areas.

During the past five years, The Original Pancake House has continued to evolve by targeting high-visibility sites in suburban and urban retail centers, especially those with strong morning and weekend traffic. Recent openings in Asia and a robust pipeline of franchise inquiries reflect a healthy appetite for further development. The company’s reputation for consistent quality and unique breakfast offerings has helped it maintain a loyal customer base and attract franchise operators who value a proven concept. The Original Pancake House is recognized for its flexible restaurant formats and its ability to anchor retail centers with reliable morning and brunch traffic, making it a sought-after tenant for landlords, brokers, and developers looking for stability and steady footfall.