Over 57 years of pancakes
The year 2017 marks the 57th year of Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House. It is hard to believe that over fifty seven years have gone by since my father and uncle opened our first location on Green Bay Rd. in Wilmette. Since then we have expanded into seven locations. It is with great pride that the Walker family has continued to bring the best breakfast to the Northern Suburbs of Chicago for over fifty seven years and will continue for years to come. It is my pleasure to share some of the Walker Bros. history with you. In 1948, my father, Victor, and his two brothers, Everett and Dick, began what was to become four Walker Bros. Snack Shops in Evanston. By 1960, Victor and Everett continued to expand as one of the first franchisees of The Original Pancake House, from Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing upon their many years of experience in the culinary field, they were able to offer authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes, without compromise. Their comprehensive working knowledge created this unique and original menu which has gained national acclaim and was chosen by chef and food critic, James Beard, as one of the top ten “best” in America. Our recipes demand only the finest ingredients, such as 93-score butter, pure whipping cream, fresh Grade AA eggs and hard wheat unbleached flour. Our sausages, bacon, hickory-smoked ham and Canadian bacon are custom-made for us. Our coffee is our own rich-bodied private blend made to our specifications. It was in 1960 when we opened our first location in Wilmette on Green Bay Road. Long the standard by which pancake houses are judged, it has stood the test of time and is by far the highest grossing pancake house in the one hundred and thirty unit franchise. In 1981, we opened our Glenview location with a classic theme of solid oak, brass-leaded hanging lamps and stained glass windows. In 1987, our Arlington Heights location opened with a massive display of stained glass windows and rare brass fixtures. In 1990, we headed north to Lincolnshire on Milwaukee Avenue. We maintained the oak appearance but added an English theme. In late 1992, we opened at Port Clinton Square in Highland Park. We added a beautiful atrium to enhance your dining experience. In 2001, our Lake Zurich location was built featuring a custom stone exterior. January 2017 marks our seventh location in Schaumburg, with many new features, including an eighteen seat lunch counter with a 70” flat screen. Over the years, Walker Bros. has received many accolades. Recently, we were awarded TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence, signifying outstanding feedback from TripAdvisor travelers. Zagat recognized us as Chicago’s “best breakfast-bar none” and the “North and Northwest suburban family favorite.” We were recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as “#1 for Family Dining”, Forest & Bluff magazine for “Best Breakfast”, Make it Better magazine as “Best Brunch - North Shore”, AOL’s City’s Best for “Best Breakfast” and USA Today as one of the “Top Ten Pancake Restaurants in the Nation.” We were voted Chicago Magazine’s Critic’s Choice Award for the “Best Breakfast”. As we continue to grow, our commitment to excellence has strengthened. Our philosophy of personal warmth and a truly “out of the ordinary” experience will greet you at Walker Bros. It is my constant objective and sincere wish to serve you the finest pancakes available “anywhere.” Our entire staff, at all seven locations, takes pleasure in serving you time and again.Ray E. Walker
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