(Gatlinburg, Tenn., March 17, 2010) – When is the last time you could get an order of Swedish Pancakes for 95 cents, or a stack of old fashioned buttermilk pancakes for 55 cents?
Established in the heart of Gatlinburg in 1960, the Pancake Pantry celebrated its birthday by treating its guests to breakfast at prices that haven’t been seen in 50 years.
On March 17, 2010, the Pancake Pantry rolled back the clock to the day it opened its doors for the first time, charging the same prices listed on the breakfast-only menu which appeared when Jim and June Gerding greeted their first guests in 1960.
As always, the doors opened for business at 7 a.m. and customers in line at 3 p.m. were served during the golden anniversary celebration.
Located at 628 Parkway, the original menu heralded the era of the pancake in this tourism town, proclaiming:
“Within the last few years, a definite trend in the habit of the eating public has created an awareness on their part that the humble pancake is no longer humble.
“Today, it not only sits at the top of every breakfast menu, but also finds its way into luncheon and dinner menus and has become a popular snacktime food.
“The variety of delicious pancakes plus pure, fresh whipped butter and the unusual variety of syrups we serve at the Pancake Pantry provide you with a selection of which we are justifiably proud.”
Pancake Pantry President Gary Myers has been with the company for 42 years, starting out at age 14 as a busboy and working his way through kitchen and dining room management positions to his current post.
“We’ve had generations of customers who come back every time they visit Gatlinburg,” said Myers, who works five days a week and rarely misses a Saturday or Sunday rush. “People expect quality food and an enjoyable meal, and that’s what we try to give them.”
Pancake Pantry employs more than 40 employees and includes a group of 15 who have been with the company for 20 or more years. Another dozen have worked for the restaurant for upwards of 10 years.
One waitress, Barb Watson, began serving pancakes in 1963, and Tom Franklin has been on station in the kitchen for over 41 years, one of five cooks who have been with the restaurant at least 32 years.
“The Gerdings are one of the finest families I’ve ever been associated with,” said Myers. “They have treated their customers and their employees with class and take great pride in the restaurant. That’s why folks keep coming back.”
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