Sara Hueneke Ernst is the grand-niece of franchise co-founder Erma Hueneke who started The Original Pancake House with partner Les Highet in Portland, Oregon in 1953. This is where they introduced their now-famous traditional recipes which remain largely the same to this day.
In 1958, Sara’s grandparents, Ferdinand and Genevieve Hueneke, purchased the first official franchise from Ferd’s sister Erma and her partner Les, and opened up down the road in Salem, Oregon.
Ferd and Gen continued to operate their family run restaurant until 1970 when their son Tom Hueneke, Sara’s father, took over. Tom later opened two more locations in Oregon and continued active operations well into the 2000s.
Sara began working in her father’s restaurants in Salem, Oregon at age 11. After working many years with her father, and furthering her culinary experience as a sous chef in New York, Sara founded the Denver, Colorado area locations of The Original Pancake House in 1996 and 2000.
As a third-generation owner/operator with direct lineage to a franchise founder, Sara serves the same delicious, wholesome recipes she has seen customers enjoy all her life. And she’s added a few tasty dishes of her own.
The Original Pancake House is all about great food and good company. We value family and we are one place where a multi-generation family can all sit down and enjoy themselves equally. When we see grandparents, parents and grandkids sit down together to enjoy breakfast, we know the tradition is alive and well.
The Original Pancake House in Denver still holds true to the principles of quality, service, and friendliness our franchise was founded on back in 1953. And because Sara is a third generation owner, you can be sure you’re getting many of the same recipes and wholesome ingredients that have been served for over 70 years.
We’re proud of our pancake house history and reputation which we’ve worked hard to earn over the years. So when you want a great breakfast or brunch served by friendly people in a relaxed, warm atmosphere – a community place to gather together with family, friends or business associates – all of us at The Original Pancake House Denver will welcome you every day from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come visit us today in the Denver area for some authentic genuine goodness and you will want to start a tradition of your own. Tradition is delicious!