By Kevin Williams
I noticed this building the other day...I've passed it a gazillion times and rarely give it a thought. But I was approaching it head-on from this angle. I was going through one of those drive-thru beverage barns (something I had hardly ever done before, until I had children, then I discovered how nice they are, you can drive thru, get a soda, chips, etc and not have to leave your car) when I saw it:
This old Perkins...it's been closed maybe 30 years?
You can tell from this open and operating Perkins that the old building in the first picture was clearly a Perkins...
Perkins is a chain that seems to be spread throughout North America. And I did not know, until I just looked it up, that Perkins began just down the road from me in Cincinnati! I think I have seen a lot of Perkins in, of all places, North Dakota....
The Perkins in the top photo was once a popular gathering spot locally. I have many memories of my Grandmother's weight loss club (TOPS....stands for Take off Pounds Sensibly, my Dad always said it stood for Take Off Pounds Sloooowly) meeting there after their weekly weigh-in for stacks of pancakes dripping with butter. Probably not the best venue for a diet club to be meeting but as the town's demographics changed, I guess Perkins couldn't make it there....Over the years the restaurant has been home to many other restaurants until finally becoming vacant, the old Perkins architecture still visible. Every town has a building like this, that just can't seem to make it work. If a Perkins can't, probably no restaurant could make it there but it doesn't stop people from trying. I think the fact that there is another casual dining restaurant (Frisch's) just up the road doesn't help, especially in an already underpopulated part of town.
So, is there a Perkins near you? The Wikipedia entry was remarkably sparse, just trying to get a feel for whether this is a national chain or something more regional?
For those not familiar with Perkins, it's specialty is pancakes, so it puts in the same dining category as an IHOP or a Bob Evans, maybe. Good, mid-priced comfort food....now I am craving Perkins....
Karen Nelson
We have 2 Perkins in Sioux City, IA. It's been years since I have been to the downtown location and I think I've only been in the location on the east edge of town once. I got a chuckle with the comment about the TOPS Diet Club meeting there for a meal. A friend is a member of the local group and they went to a Perkins for their Christmas get together. The restaurants here in town seem to be doing well. Perkins seems to be a popular restaurant chain here in the midwest.
Kevin
Two in Sioux City? Wow, we can't even keep one open in our similar-sized town!
Hazel
We have lots of Perkins restaurants in Canada. They have a large menu and are reasonably priced and food is always good.
Kevin
Interesting, Hazel, I didn't know they were in Canada!
Hazel
Yes, my closest city is Winnipeg, about an hour away, and there are at least 3 Perkins, maybe 4. They are very popular in Manitoba anyway.
Carol
I believe at least one Perkins in Knoxville is still open. There are two on the map in Knoxville but I am not sure if the second one is still open. There is also one in Dandridge which is near the mountains and about an hour and a half from my house. I didn't check but I think there is still one in Cookeville which is about an hour and a half west of us also. I have never eaten there though. We might have to give it a try before they disappear like so many others.
Hazel
I just googled that and there are 7 in Winnipeg. I didn't realize there were that many.
Kevin
Wow, Hazel, I never knew Perkins had such a strong Canadian presence!
brenda
first time for even hearing about a Perkins.
temperatures== i believe you are a bit mistaken on this one Kevin when it is hot one can only take off so many garmens and still wind up being hot. on the other hand in the cold one can really pile on the garments until warm .. what do you think >>
Steve
Still have a few near Indy.
Maddi
We have a Perkins in Bradenton, Fl. It is a popular place for Breakfasts served all day but their other food is good too.
Susan
We have a Perkins about 30 min. west of our village, in Olean, NY.
We don't eat there often but they are always consistent with food quality, service & clean!
Grace Pulley
I live in Gillette, Wyoming and we have a Perkins here in town and I know of at least 4 more in the state could be more. It is one of our favorite places to eat especially breakfast. I know of a couple in Colorado as well.
Kevin
Welcome, Grace! I have such fond, fond memories of Gillette...Our family stayed there once on a trip out west and I just remember staying at this nice hotel with an indoor pool...it was just one evening, but good memories....and good to know about Perkins!