Perkins LLC (also known as Perkins Restaurant & Bakery or Perkins American Food Co on the locations' signage) is an American casual dining restaurant chain which serves breakfast and other homestyle meals throughout the day in addition to bakery items including pies, muffins, and other sweets. As of April 2024, the company operates 265 locations.
History
1957−1984
The Perkins chain was established in 1957, when Matt and Ivan Perkins opened Smithies Pancake House in Cincinnati, Ohio.[3] In 1958, the chain expanded as a franchise. One franchisee in Minnesota, Wyman Nelson, introduced an aggressive advertising campaign and an expanded menu in 1967.
From 1969 to 1978, Nelson consolidated Perkins and another chain, Smitty's, into Perkins 'Cake & Steak'. From the headquarters in Edina, Minnesota, he assumed nationwide development control of the company and focused on opening over 220 restaurants. In 1979, Matt and Ivan retired, selling their remaining interest in the company including trademark and distribution rights. In August 1979, Perkins became a wholly owned subsidiary of Memphis-based Holiday Inn