Established
1953
Franchise Units
150
Minimum Investment
$1,200,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$2,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Original Pancake House is one of the most respected and long-standing names in the American breakfast and brunch restaurant industry. Renowned for its authentic recipes, premium ingredients, and classic dining experience, the brand has earned deep customer loyalty across the United States over multiple generations.
Unlike trend-driven breakfast concepts, this brand focuses on consistency, craftsmanship, and quality. Its menu highlights made-from-scratch pancakes, waffles, omelets, and crepes, many prepared using proprietary recipes that have remained unchanged for decades. This dedication to culinary tradition positions the restaurant as a destination dining experience rather than a convenience-based quick-service option.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong legacy brand with decades of customer trust
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Breakfast and brunch focus with consistent daily demand
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Proprietary recipes that clearly differentiate the concept
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Broad demographic appeal and repeat customer base
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Well-established operational systems refined over time
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Limited direct national competitors in the premium breakfast category
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Flexible real estate options across suburban and urban markets
Background
Established Year: 1953
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Founders: Les Highet and Erma Hueneke
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants
The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon, with a vision centered on delivering authentic, high-quality breakfast dishes inspired by traditional European cooking techniques. From its earliest days, the brand emphasized freshness, craftsmanship, and an elevated guest experience—values that remain central today.
After achieving early success, the company expanded through franchising while maintaining strict controls around food quality, menu execution, and service standards. Growth has been steady and deliberate, ensuring the brand’s reputation remains intact across all locations.
Currently, the franchise operates 150+ active units across the United States, with a strong presence in major metropolitan and affluent suburban markets. Its disciplined expansion strategy and long operating history have positioned it as one of the most trusted breakfast restaurant franchises in the country.
Support Training
Franchisees receive comprehensive guidance designed to support both initial launch and long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and demographic evaluation
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Restaurant design, kitchen layout, and equipment planning
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Guidance on lease negotiation and construction coordination
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Training & Academic Support
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Initial training covering food preparation, operations, and service standards
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Management training focused on staffing, scheduling, and cost controls
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Hands-on kitchen and front-of-house instruction
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Continuous system updates and operational education
Operational Support
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Detailed operating manuals and standardized procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance evaluations
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Quality control oversight and food consistency monitoring
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Access to benchmarking and operational analytics
Marketing & Brand Support
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National brand positioning and marketing standards
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Local store marketing guidance and promotional strategies
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Advertising support customized to regional markets
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Ongoing brand awareness initiatives
Ideal Candidate
The Original Pancake House franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors who value hospitality, operational excellence, and long-term brand integrity.
Ideal candidates typically have:
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Experience in restaurant operations, hospitality, or multi-unit business ownership
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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A hands-on or semi-absentee ownership approach
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Commitment to maintaining food quality and service consistency
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Financial capability to support build-out and early operations
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Interest in developing single or multiple locations within approved territories
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and vary by location and market conditions.
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Total Investment Required: $1.2 million – $2.0 million
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Minimum Investment Required: $500,000+ in liquid capital
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Franchise Fee: Approximately $50,000
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $700,000 – $1.2 million
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Initial Marketing Budget: $15,000 – $25,000
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Working Capital: $100,000 – $200,000
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Royalty Fees: Ongoing percentage of gross sales
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Advertising Fees: National and local marketing contributions apply
