Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Authentic Breakfast in Normal
Since 1953, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting authentic breakfast experiences rooted in tradition and quality. Founded in Portland, Oregon by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, our commitment to classic recipes and premium ingredients has defined our legacy. We bring this heritage to Normal, Illinois, using 93-score butter, fresh grade AA eggs, and house-made sourdough starters to create signature dishes like our Apple Pancake and Dutch Baby. Our menu features globally inspired options, including gluten-free and vegetarian choices, while our locally sourced ingredients and partnerships reflect our dedication to community.With spacious seating, modern amenities, and a private dining space, we aim to provide hospitality that extends beyond the meal. Recognized as a Best Bite of BloNo by ISUs Channel 10, we continue to honor our founders vision of serving breakfast with care and consistency.
Services
Pancake House
Omelettes
Catering
Private Dining
Online Ordering
Gluten-Free Options
Kids Menu
Senior Menu
Beverage Service
Breakfast Scrambles
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer 65+ years of expertise in traditional breakfast recipes
- Our ingredients include 93-score butter, fresh grade AA eggs, and house-made sourdough starters
- We partner with local suppliers like Deneen Pottery for authentic craftsmanship
- Our private dining space accommodates up to 30 guests with multimedia capabilities
- Recognized as a Best Bite of BloNo by ISU's Channel 10
Services
Pancake House
Our pancake house specializes in oven-baked specialties like the Apple Pancake and Dutch Baby, using premium ingredients such as 93-score butter and house-made sourdough starter. Each dish is crafted to maintain traditional flavors while offering modern twists like chocolate chip or fresh fruit toppings. Our commitment to quality ensures every order delivers consistent, restaurant-grade results.
Omelettes
Handcrafted omelettes feature fillings like corned beef hash, fresh vegetables, and premium cheeses. Prepared in cast iron skillets then baked for a lighter texture, these dishes showcase our attention to detail. Customers can customize with options like egg whites or specialty toppings for an elevated breakfast experience.
Catering
We provide breakfast catering for corporate events, private celebrations, and community gatherings. Our menu includes signature pancakes, omelette stations, and made-to-order options that reflect our restaurant's quality standards. This service extends our hospitality to off-site locations while maintaining the authenticity of our in-house dining experience.
Private Dining
Our private dining room accommodates up to 30 guests with flexible seating arrangements and modern amenities. Available free Monday-Friday, it features wireless connectivity and multimedia capabilities for business meetings or social gatherings. Weekend reservations include access to our full catering menu and dedicated service staff.
Online Ordering
Through DoorDash partnerships, we offer convenient online ordering for our complete breakfast menu. This service maintains food quality through optimized packaging and delivery protocols. Customers can enjoy our signature dishes at home while experiencing the same attention to detail as in-restaurant dining.
People
Clay Baxter
Operating Partner
Clay Baxter oversees daily operations and strategic growth for The Original Pancake House in Normal. With extensive hospitality experience, he ensures adherence to the founders' vision while adapting to local market needs. He manages team development and maintains quality standards across all service areas.
Eduardo Urcino
General Manager
Eduardo Urcino directs restaurant operations and customer service initiatives. He implements efficient workflows to maintain breakfast service quality and manages staff training programs. His leadership focuses on preserving the establishment's heritage while enhancing guest experiences through modern hospitality practices.
Michael Wagner
Assistant Manager
Michael Wagner supports daily restaurant operations and staff coordination. He supervises front-of-house services, ensuring consistent application of hospitality standards. His role includes managing customer relations and assisting with private event planning to reinforce the brand's community presence.
Questions
What makes your pancakes unique?
Our pancakes use a proprietary sourdough starter and premium ingredients like 93-score butter, following recipes perfected since 1953.
Do you offer gluten-free breakfast options?
Yes, we provide certified gluten-free pancakes, waffles, and other menu items prepared in dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
Can I rent your private dining space?
Our private room seats 30 guests with multimedia capabilities. It's free Monday-Friday; weekend rentals include catering minimums and service fees.
Are catering services available for large groups?
We offer full-service catering with breakfast buffets, made-to-order stations, and customized menus for corporate events and private celebrations.
What are your operating hours?
We serve breakfast Monday-Friday 6:30 AM-1:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 6:30 AM-2:00 PM, with kitchen closing times strictly enforced.
