Refurbished outlets that attract a new generation of customers, an evolving menu that continues to impress people from all ages, and a revitalized franchise system that continually attracts the innovative entrepreneur -– these are some of the building blocks that elevated Pancake House to “Hall of Fame” status by the Philippine Franchise Association during its annual recognition of the country’s best franchise businesses.

“We are very honored at this recognition. This is the highest validation and stamp of approval for our efforts in promoting the brand,” said Martin P. Lorenzo, chairman of Pancake House, Inc. as he received a giant glass plaque from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, PFA chairman, Robert Trota, PFA president and Samie Lim, PFA chairman emeritus and president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The “Hall of Fame” status --for the Outstanding Filipino Franchise of the Year-- is the association’s highest accolade and is well-deserved after Pancake House first won in 2002 as “Most Promising Filipino Franchise,” also given by the same organization. After that, the winning streak continued when Pancake House was cited as 2005’s Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise of the year.

But to Mr. Lorenzo -- whose group bought Pancake House in 2000 -- and the rest of the present management team, the “Hall of Fame” award only encourages all of them to raise the brand to new heights -– and new reach as it embarks on a journey to reach foreign lands.

Building on a base of 20 restaurants in 2000, Pancake House has since grown to a total of 67, with 45 of them managed by franchisees. The expanded network continues to bring the restaurant’s trademark dining favorites and warm service closer to its target customers.

Pancake House won the award with high scores for its franchise program, sales performance, operations and facilities, reputation, and corporate social responsibility. “It is always exciting to take a brand that has developed on its own strengths, then bring it to the next level: Hone it and adapt it to new challenges to enable it to dominate its own future,” Lorenzo added.

With the brand having evolved into a trusted symbol of excellence in its industry, management’s challenge is to preserve and reinforce it with further innovations that show, day and night, how Pancake House has the satisfaction and delight of its customers at heart.