The Original Pancake House
About us
The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing upon their many years of experience in the culinary field, and their extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes they were able to offer without compromise this unique and original menu which 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 so outstanding. We now have over one hundred franchises from coast to coast, which have won local and national acclaim. Our recipes demand only the very finest of ingredients, such as 93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, fresh grade AA eggs, hard wheat unbleached flour, and our own recipe sourdough starter. Our batters and sauces are made fresh in each restaurant’s kitchen.
Our Story
Our story begins in Detroit, Michigan, where Mike Setili launched his 50 year career in the restaurant industry as a busboy at The Original Pancake House in Grosse Pointe. With an unmatched work ethic and attention to detail, Mike quickly climbed the ranks, mastering every position before being promoted to manager. In 1979, he drove across the country to San Diego to open the Convoy Street location while studying business at SDSU. It was in San Diego that Mike met his future wife, who has been by his side ever since.
After achieving great success in Kearny Mesa, Mike expanded his efforts by opening a second location in Encinitas, where the beloved chain was warmly embraced by the community. Today, ownership of the restaurants has passed to his two children, who proudly carry on their father’s legacy while ensuring the restaurants remain family-owned and operated for generations to come.
