"In 1960, Walt and Dorothy Elmer opened breakfast focused Elmer’s Colonial Pancake House in Portland, OR. Truly a family owned and operated labor of love, Walt, Dorothy, and their three sons poured their hearts into serving the local community. It was an immediate success thanks to their commitment to bringing people together for home-style cooking, using only the finest ingredients. Built on the foundation of Walt Elmer’s famous buttermilk pancakes, the original recipe for pancake batter was purchased for $1,000 and rumor has it that Walt kept it locked in his safe. We still use Walt’s original recipe today! Over the years, the menu was expanded with lunch and dinner items and the restaurant became Elmer’s Pancake Steakhouse. In 1966, Elmer’s began franchising and continues to grow to this day. Including the newest addition, Egg N’ Joe, there are now 29 Elmer's locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Arizona."