Breakfast people can finally relax. The Original Pancake House is open again in Orland Park, and the Dutch Baby is back on the table, dressed in fresh butter with hashbrowns crisped just right. For many regulars, and maybe a few reporters, that dish alone is enough reason to check out the new location at 16153 LaGrange Road.
The excitement follows a summer of uncertainty. Early in June, owner Lisa Sczurek announced on Facebook that the restaurant would be closing its longtime home at 15256 S. LaGrange Road. The last day of service there was June 8, a moment that left loyal customers wondering when and where the restaurant would return.
Now they have their answer.
The Original Pancake House officially reopened Oct. 28 inside the former Houlihan’s building. Sczurek and her daughter, Alexandra, say the move was never part of their plan. A new corporate owner took over the entire plaza and began a full redevelopment, which meant their lease would not be renewed.
“At first it was devastating,” Sczurek said. “Everyone knew where we were. But we really believe everything happens for a reason.”
The building required a complete overhaul. After Houlihan’s, the space operated for a short time as a nightclub-style event venue, leaving little that fit a breakfast restaurant. The family gutted the entire interior and rebuilt it from the ground up. Construction began in July and wrapped in roughly four months, including new HVAC, plumbing, flooring, windows and adjustments to the roofline. WHER Construction, a longtime partner of the family, handled the project.
The finished space seats about 200 guests and has a bright, open layout that regulars have already praised.
“We were a little nervous about how different it would look,” Alexandra said. “But the feedback has been great. People say they love how open it feels.”
Even with the redesign, familiar details made the move. Pieces from their glass collection are displayed again, and a framed photo of the former location is being prepared for the wall.
Staff continuity mattered, too. Many employees have been with the Sczurek family for decades. During the closure, Lisa and Alexandra kept them working at their Oak Forest and Hyde Park locations until Orland Park reopened.
“Having so many longtime employees back with us makes a huge difference,” Lisa said.
Customers are returning just as quickly. Sczurek said she now sees third generation families, some of whom first visited Oak Forest’s location more than 50 years ago.
“It really is a family away from home,” Sczurek said. “We have lived in Orland Park for 52 years. Our kids worked in the restaurant, and so did their friends. This community is part of who we are.”
The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (until 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving) and is closed only on Christmas.
A ribbon cutting with the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 11 a.m.
The Sczureks hope neighbors will join them to mark the beginning of their newest chapter.
“We are very grateful for the support,” Alexandra said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. It makes all the hard work worth it.”
We started to go to The Original Pancake House in Oak Forest in the 80’s. When our girls were young we starred to have a tradition of Always going to this pancake house to honor the American holidays. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. We would run into the Gram family that were already going to this pancake house for years.
We love The Original Pancake House. I wish it would lower the price a but, too.
I go to walker Brothers original pancake house, the one in glenview Best food ever and the best wait staff. Ray Walker has done a great job at all his locations.
Favorite Restaurant for family and friends. Regulars at Orland original location but visit all OPH depending on where WE/ALL are 🙂 love new Orland location. Great food, ambience and SERVICE:)