Perkins Restaurant & Bakery was founded in 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Matt Perkins, who started with a single pancake house before building the brand into a Midwestern staple. The company grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s, expanding its all-day breakfast concept across the Upper Midwest and becoming particularly beloved in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Ohio. The addition of an in-house bakery — featuring fresh-baked pies, muffins, and pastries — helped Perkins stand apart from competing family restaurant chains.
The chain became famous for its whole pies baked fresh daily, including signature varieties like Lemon Meringue, Homestyle Apple, and Coconut Cream. At its peak, Perkins operated more than 500 locations across North America. The brand went through several ownership transitions over the decades and has since consolidated to approximately 300 locations, primarily in the Midwest and select other states. Perkins has periodically updated its menu to include lighter options and modern comfort food, while maintaining its core identity around generous breakfasts and bakery-fresh desserts.
Today, Perkins continues to serve communities as a sit-down family restaurant where guests can enjoy all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside homemade-style baked goods. The brand's Griddle & GO breakfast lineup, hearty entrées like Country Fried Steak and Grilled Salmon, and its enduring pie selection keep Perkins a go-to choice for families seeking comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting.