Nick’s Original House of Pancakes has been serving the community for almost 15 years. Owner Nick Panos has a long history in the local restaurant scene with his family.
“My family has owned the Village Kitchen for over 40 years, I grew up working there as a teenager,” Panos said. “My aunt owned Gina’s Cafe in Chelsea, then The Broken Egg on Main Street in Ann Arbor. I’ve had partnerships in numerous restaurants throughout the years as well in the area.”
Panos always had an affinity for breakfast foods.
“Nick’s Original House of Pancakes was started in 2009 with the idea of bringing high-quality breakfast to the southside of Ann Arbor,” Panos said. “The idea came about coming from a breakfast food background growing up and getting out of the bar business I was currently involved in. I always had the concept half written down and in my head floating around.”
The time and the place, at 2020 Lohr Circle in Ann Arbor, were right when he started the restaurant.
“Actually, this location picked me,” Panos said. “It was a former Big Boy that was on its way out, and one day it finally closed. We got ahold of the landlord and signed a lease. The timing felt right and this side of town lacked breakfast options.”
Panos said people from almost every walk of life and from all backgrounds frequent the restaurant.
“Everyone,” Panos said. “There are people from every age group, background, and walk of life — babies, children, U-M students, their visiting parents, firefighters, sports fans, locals, businesspeople and older folks.”
The restaurant is extremely family-friendly.
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“We have options for all ages,” Panos said. “Our staff is very friendly and accommodating to everyone. For the kid we offer a Mickey Mouse Pancake as well that’s a big hit.”
When we tried Nick’s, we had the lemon-poppy blueberry pancakes that the waitress recommended, the Ruben sandwich and Glen’s Hillbilly Heaven.
The pancakes were perfectly cooked and flavored with a nice balance of citrus and berries. The Ruben sandwich had a satisfying savory taste and the Hillbilly Heaven was a combination of gravy, sausage and eggs for hearty appetites.
The waitress was friendly and helpful in making food selections.
“Our regulars really like the employees,” Panos said. “Many who have been here long term and have created great relationships with them.”
Panos also had some food recommendations.
“Dublin Bennies are a top-selling item, pecan banana pancakes, and all the breakfast bowls sell very well, especially the Deluxe New Yorker,” Panos said.
Panos attributes his success to an emphasis on doing the basics well.
“We strive to serve breakfast and lunch using the highest quality ingredients at a fair price, with great service in a clean and relaxing environment,” Panos said. “That’s our mission statement.”
3030 Lohr Circle, Ann Arbor. 734-622-6425. nickshouseofpancakes.com.
