While strolling down the parkway every morning, it’s not uncommon to see a line of hungry customers waiting eagerly for a tasty breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. At first glance you can’t help but think, “Is it really worth waiting in that long of a line for pancakes?” The answer is YES!
The Pancake Pantry is a Gatlinburg staple. Although there is a variety of pancake houses in the area, the Pancake Pantry is the only one that consistently has a line out the door. At first glance, the long line can look intimidating and “not worth it” but it does reflect positively on their service and food. Think about it, if people are willing to patiently wait in a long line for a pancakes, the Pancake Pantry must be doing something right.
It all began in 1960 when Jim and June Gerding decided to pick up and move their lives from Indiana to Gatlinburg. With absolutely no restaurant experience, the Gerdings decided to take a leap of faith and opened Tennessee’s first pancake specialty restaurant. Because pancake houses were still a new concept, it was a huge risk for the Gerdings. With it’s magnificent slate roof, gables, large windows and warm white oak interior, the signature building made Jim’s vision a reality and a risk worth taking.
Today, guests are offered 24 varieties of pancakes, several types of waffles, crepes, french toast, omelets, and every other breakfast food imaginable. Not to mention that everything from the pancake batter to the syrup is made fresh from scratch. Some of their signature dishes include, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Pecan Pancakes and Georgia Peach Crepes.
Some advice:
-Bring cash to pay, cards and checks are not accepted. An ATM is available is always available at the restaurant.
-Lunch is served after 11:30 a.m. but pancakes and crepes are their speciality and served all day long. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so make sure to try it!
-To avoid the long line, get there early. Long lines usually begin to form between the times of 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Pancake Pantry is located at 628 Parkway in Gatlinburg and opens from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
