Matthew Riley Perkins and his brother, Ivan Patrick Perkins, founded Perkins Pancake House in 1958, and opened their first location in the Cincinnati suburb of Silverton, using a secret buttermilk pancake recipe they purchased from Smitty's Pancake and Steak House in Seattle. Their delicious product offering, coupled with a personalized approach to service, quickly gained them a reputation for having the best pancakes in town!
During the next decade, Matt and Ivan realize the solid growth potential for their concept and allow for expansion through franchising. In addition, product development includes the introduction of new menu items including sandwiches and several entree items.
In 1967, Minnesota Franchisee, Wyman Nelson, introduces an expanded menu and an aggressive advertising campaign. He develops a growing interest in expanding the Perkins brand beyond his initial territory. Nelson consolidates Smitty's and Perkins into Perkins 'Cake & Steak' to gain national brand awareness for the chain and assumes nationwide development control of Perkins 'Cake & Steak,' Inc. In a quest to grow quickly and steadily, Nelson focuses on opening over 220 Perkins Cake & Steak House restaurants.
When Matt & Ivan Perkins decide to retire in 1978, they sell their final interest in the company, including all trademark and distribution rights, but remained active in the 20-store Cincinnati franchise. In August 1979, Perkins becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Memphis-based Holiday Inns, Inc. and corporate headquarters are established in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of Matt's death, the company had grown to more than 390 restaurants nationwide, with sales of $450 million. The company is now known as ‘Perkins Restaurant & Bakery' and continues to thrive as a major competitor in the family style segment of the industry. (bio by Doc)
During the next decade, Matt and Ivan realize the solid growth potential for their concept and allow for expansion through franchising. In addition, product development includes the introduction of new menu items including sandwiches and several entree items.
In 1967, Minnesota Franchisee, Wyman Nelson, introduces an expanded menu and an aggressive advertising campaign. He develops a growing interest in expanding the Perkins brand beyond his initial territory. Nelson consolidates Smitty's and Perkins into Perkins 'Cake & Steak' to gain national brand awareness for the chain and assumes nationwide development control of Perkins 'Cake & Steak,' Inc. In a quest to grow quickly and steadily, Nelson focuses on opening over 220 Perkins Cake & Steak House restaurants.
When Matt & Ivan Perkins decide to retire in 1978, they sell their final interest in the company, including all trademark and distribution rights, but remained active in the 20-store Cincinnati franchise. In August 1979, Perkins becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Memphis-based Holiday Inns, Inc. and corporate headquarters are established in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of Matt's death, the company had grown to more than 390 restaurants nationwide, with sales of $450 million. The company is now known as ‘Perkins Restaurant & Bakery' and continues to thrive as a major competitor in the family style segment of the industry. (bio by Doc)
Matthew Riley Perkins and his brother, Ivan Patrick Perkins, founded Perkins Pancake House in 1958, and opened their first location in the Cincinnati suburb of Silverton, using a secret buttermilk pancake recipe they purchased from Smitty's Pancake and Steak House in Seattle. Their delicious product offering, coupled with a personalized approach to service, quickly gained them a reputation for having the best pancakes in town!
During the next decade, Matt and Ivan realize the solid growth potential for their concept and allow for expansion through franchising. In addition, product development includes the introduction of new menu items including sandwiches and several entree items.
In 1967, Minnesota Franchisee, Wyman Nelson, introduces an expanded menu and an aggressive advertising campaign. He develops a growing interest in expanding the Perkins brand beyond his initial territory. Nelson consolidates Smitty's and Perkins into Perkins 'Cake & Steak' to gain national brand awareness for the chain and assumes nationwide development control of Perkins 'Cake & Steak,' Inc. In a quest to grow quickly and steadily, Nelson focuses on opening over 220 Perkins Cake & Steak House restaurants.
When Matt & Ivan Perkins decide to retire in 1978, they sell their final interest in the company, including all trademark and distribution rights, but remained active in the 20-store Cincinnati franchise. In August 1979, Perkins becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Memphis-based Holiday Inns, Inc. and corporate headquarters are established in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of Matt's death, the company had grown to more than 390 restaurants nationwide, with sales of $450 million. The company is now known as ‘Perkins Restaurant & Bakery' and continues to thrive as a major competitor in the family style segment of the industry. (bio by Doc)
During the next decade, Matt and Ivan realize the solid growth potential for their concept and allow for expansion through franchising. In addition, product development includes the introduction of new menu items including sandwiches and several entree items.
In 1967, Minnesota Franchisee, Wyman Nelson, introduces an expanded menu and an aggressive advertising campaign. He develops a growing interest in expanding the Perkins brand beyond his initial territory. Nelson consolidates Smitty's and Perkins into Perkins 'Cake & Steak' to gain national brand awareness for the chain and assumes nationwide development control of Perkins 'Cake & Steak,' Inc. In a quest to grow quickly and steadily, Nelson focuses on opening over 220 Perkins Cake & Steak House restaurants.
When Matt & Ivan Perkins decide to retire in 1978, they sell their final interest in the company, including all trademark and distribution rights, but remained active in the 20-store Cincinnati franchise. In August 1979, Perkins becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Memphis-based Holiday Inns, Inc. and corporate headquarters are established in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of Matt's death, the company had grown to more than 390 restaurants nationwide, with sales of $450 million. The company is now known as ‘Perkins Restaurant & Bakery' and continues to thrive as a major competitor in the family style segment of the industry. (bio by Doc)
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