History of The Original Pancake House

Learn about the iconic restaurant chain’s origins in Portland, OR.

A plate of flapjacks and a Dutch baby pancake sit on a window-side table with a red coffee mug

Could you pass the syrup?

Photo by @____akyan

In celebration of National Pancake Day, we’d like to spotlight one local mainstay: The Original Pancake Housethe first location of its kind.

In 1953, the family-owned franchise was founded in Portland by Les Highet + Erma Huenekewho also created the restaurant’s original menu. With fresh batters and sauces made in-house each morning, the diner has been flipping hotcakes in the community for nearly 70 years and now has over 100 locations worldwide.

Let us know — what’s your favorite item on the menu? We heard the specialty Apple Pancake + Dutch Baby dishes are particularly delightful. 🍽️

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