After serving generations of south King County residents since 1959, the historic Pancake Chef will close its doors for the final time on Sunday, Sept. 28, according to longtime resident and former SeaTac City councilmember Fuzz Hill.
The family-owned diner has been a local landmark and gathering place in SeaTac for more than six decades, known for its comfort food, community atmosphere and regular customers.
After more than four decades at the helm, owner Loren Sisley is retiring and closing the restaurant.
Hill said the closure marks the end of an era for the city and its neighbors.
“Sad to see another locally-owned family business being shuttered, but happy for Loren for all his successful prior and many future restful years,” Hill said.
Last year, KOMO News’ Eric’s Heroes profiled the iconic restaurant, describing it as a “Northwestern gem” that has remained largely unchanged since opening in 1959. The segment highlighted the restaurant’s vintage charm, its role as a family gathering place for decades of regulars, and the dedication of staff who have worked there for more than 40 years:
History of The Pancake Chef
From their website (circa 2018):
“The Pancake Chef opened as part of the Clarks’ Restaurant chain on July 4, 1959 and has been dishing up great meals for nearly 60 years at the same location – 1-mile north of Sea-Tac Airport.
“It is one of those inconspicuous little neighborhood places with a reputation for an unfussy atmosphere and great food, cooked how the customer wants it, or it is prepared again.
“The seating area has a large, bright, open 1950’s style atmosphere. It also has an open kitchen, so that some interested guests may watch the meals being prepared.
“The menu is varied and appealing and, not surprisingly, concentrates heavily upon breakfasts, featuring pancakes, omelet’s, and waffles. Fresh oranges are squeezed daily for the best juice around. Breakfast is available during all open hours.
“As printed on all our menus since opening in 1959, our motto is:
“A love of good food tastefully prepared. A love for people and a wish to please them. A love for high quality, cleanliness and service.”
Last Chance for Flapjacks
Be sure to get your last taste of great, local flapjacks soon – the Pancake Chef is located at 15215 Military Road South, SeaTac, WA 98188, and is open from 6 a.m.–2 p.m., with breakfast served all day, lunch after 10 a.m., and closed Tuesdays:
Well that’s too bad. I recently moved out of the area, but this was our long time favorite breakfast spot.
We have been coming to THE PANCAKE CHEF FOR MANY MANY YEARS IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO FRIENDLY AND AMAZING FOOD AND SERVICE.. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT 👍👍🙏🙏
Aw, dang! Growing up, Pancake Chef was always where my mom would take me and my sister to eat after coming down from Everett to drop our dad off for an early morning flight. Their gluten-free pancakes were unmatched. It’s a shame I’ll be unable to make one final trip. Rest easy, Pancake Chef!
When dad bought moved onto the block he was first in the tv repair building then he bought the triangle shaped building between the chef and McDonald’s the same year I came along. His very own building for his growing one day quite successful insurance agency. That was 1975 and a huge accomplishment. Dad was welcomed into the neighborhood and always enjoyed visiting with the staff over at the chef. My sister worked there during high school and the German was always my very favorite to this day. I make it every so often and it brings back lots of memories. This wasn’t just a place to eat. I had a really beautiful childhood and this place was a huge part of it. I recall when I had to stay home sick from school I had to go to work with dad and lay on the couch upstairs. When lunch came around we headed over for some soup and grilled cheese. Just like my dad nothing stops me from eating. I let dad know when the last day is. I sure hope he can make it in there for one last cup of buttermilk and stack of hotcakes!
So sad to see it go. Great food and always had friendly service. Have a great retirement!!
This sucks so bad. I was born and raised here aside from the Army. As a kid in the ’80s up till now I have seen so much of what made this area so special just vanish and be torn down. Here we go again with another landmark and part of what made the area what it was gone.
There’s really not much left to keep me hanging around.
Here we go another
When I worked in Seattle, the Pancake Chef was a familiar haunt. I am surprised and sad at this news.
Happy Retirement.
Always good food and a family feel while eating there. Memories!
When my Dad opened his dental practice down the street 70 years ago, this was one of his favorite lunch time places. He took my siblings and I over the years and I in turn have taken my kids on many occasions. One of my patients used to work there and I loved hearing her stories about how my dad who had such short lunch hours, would come in with his hair on fire and make it a point to fit Pancake Chef in ( albeit lightening fast) on many occasions over the span of his 39 year career. Loren, We hate to see you go, but wish you the best in your well-earned retirement.
To the staff: thank you for always serving us so well and giving the community a place to call “home” for so many years. To say you will be missed is an incredible understatement…
I have knowen Loren Sisley since the 3rd grade at Lake Burien Elementary. He was a Highline Pirate with me in 1958. Loren, my friend, I am truly sorry I did not visit you at the “Chef” more times. The last time you were away and did not get to talk with you, I did leave a business card, I can only hope you did see it. I hope you have your retirement all planned out. KEEP BUSY as best you can and enjoy the family and life. Missed you at the last 1958 gathering. At our age we are now meeting every year on a more relaxed setting, it works but I miss the larger involvement, but then again I did not have to do any of the prep work. As I am sitting here looking at one of your business cards, I will say goodby until I get a chance to talk to you again. You deserve the best of retirement !
Why can’t someone buy it and keep it alive?!!
The Pancake Chef has been a part of my life since I was a kid, I’m 71 now. My parents and grandparents always enjoyed going there. Friendly and great service with yummy food. Love it for breakfast mostly. These days I meet up with friends to visit and enjoy some good coffee and food. Thank you for being our favorite neighborhood restaurant. I wish you many years of a happy retirement.
2 good, 2 be, 4 gotten. 💕💕🙏
Every visit and every memory I have of Lauren and his staff are ones of comfort, goodness, quality and kindness. The food is fantastic as well. Three generations of our family have enjoyed Pancake Chef, we will always treasure it and know that it was a PNW jewel, to always be treasured.
Awe! I’m gonna miss Lynn and Sandy the most. I just loved their personality, service, and smiles.
They just don’t make them like this anymore. Pancake Chef is legendary. 65 and 40 years of taking care of people is an amazing accomplishment. RIP Pancake Chef. Enjoy your well earned retirement Loren. I hope you feel so proud of what you accomplished.