The Original Pancake Kitchen

The Original Pancake Kitchen (often referred to as PK’s) is a restaurant franchise in Adelaide, South Australia, known for serving American-style pancakes and breakfast dishes. Established in 1965 on Gilbert Place in the Adelaide city centre, it is one of the city’s longest-running eateries and has become a fixture in the local dining scene.[1]

History

The restaurant opened in 1965 under the name The Pancake Kitchen, offering a menu inspired by American diner culture, including pancakes, crepes, and breakfast fare served throughout the day and night.[1] Its Gilbert Place location became popular with night-time patrons, hospitality workers, and festival-goers.[1]

Over the years, the business expanded to other sites in South Australia, including Modbury, Marion, Reynella and Port Adelaide.[2]

In December 2022, it was reported that two of the five Original Pancake Kitchen locations—in Reynella and Port Adelaide—had closed following a serious kitchen fire at the Reynella site and broader economic pressures. The closures were managed by Oracle Insolvency Services, while the Gilbert Place, Marion, and Modbury outlets remained open.[3]

Expansion

In mid-2025, Glam Adelaide announced that a new Original Pancake Kitchen venue would open in the north-eastern suburb of Golden Grove in late August. The new location—at 1040 The Golden Way—aims to deliver the brand’s signature all-day breakfast, diner-style charm, and thick milkshakes in a modern, family-friendly setting.[4]

In early 2025, The Advertiser reported that journalist Mitchell Sariovski and his partner Lauren Bent had purchased the Gilbert Place venue, announcing plans for renovations and a refreshed menu while retaining the restaurant’s heritage and signature dishes.[5]

Notable incidents

In July 2025, the Gilbert Place restaurant was the target of a break-in during the early morning hours, with a cash register stolen.[6] Police investigations were ongoing as of early August 2025.

The restaurant has also been mentioned in ABC News coverage relating to incidents in the surrounding precinct, underscoring its role as a well-known late-night venue in the city.[7]

Cultural role

CityMag has described the venue as an “Adelaide institution,” citing its longevity, central location, and role as a meeting place for late-night diners.[1] The business has been included in city tourism listings and local heritage discussions as an example of Adelaide’s mid-20th-century hospitality culture.[2]

Locations

As of 2025, The Original Pancake Kitchen operates at:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Pancake Kitchen re-invents itself". CityMag. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b "The Original Pancake Kitchen". Experience Adelaide. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Two of the five Pancake Kitchens to close". Glam Adelaide. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b "COMING SOON: The Original Pancake Kitchen is flipping its way to the North-East suburbs". Glam Adelaide. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  5. ^ Scobie, Katherine (17 February 2025). "7NEWS reporter buys Adelaide's Original Pancake Kitchen". The Advertiser. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  6. ^ Scobie, Katherine (29 July 2025). "Original Pancake Kitchen targeted in early morning break-in". The Advertiser. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Police investigating Rundle Mall brawl". ABC News. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
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