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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Smokies pancake restaurant celebrating 50 years

JOE EDWARDS

Associated Press Writer

With the majesty of the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg has been serving locals and visitors alike for 50 years.

Located in an endless row of T-shirt shops, candy stores and hotels, it’s offered a tasty start for tourists in the resort town before they head out to play miniature golf, explore a quiet mountain trail or try to spot an elusive black bear.

It’s easy to spot on busy U.S. 441, the town’s main street: Just look for a line of people waiting outside with fidgety anticipation. Inside, patrons attack piles of pancakes with the persistence of a woodpecker.