Three decades of syrup, smiles, and second helpings: This beloved breakfast spot is preparing to say goodbye

If you’re the kind of person who believes breakfast isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual—this news might hit close to home.

Think fluffy pancakes, bottomless coffee, and the kind of warm, familiar service that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

For the past 30 years, one neighborhood location of a beloved national breakfast chain has been serving up exactly that kind of comfort. But now, after three decades of morning memories, sizzling bacon, and weekend catch-ups over syrup and scrambled eggs, this single outpost is preparing to close its doors.

For loyal diners and longtime regulars, it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a farewell to a place that felt like home. And in a rapidly changing dining landscape, it’s a reminder that even the most cherished local traditions aren’t immune to the times.

A restaurant chain that grew up with you​

The Perkins restaurant on State Road 933 has been a fixture for locals for 30 years.

It started out as a corporate-owned spot, but quickly became a family-run operation, adding a personal touch that regulars cherished. Over the years, it’s been the backdrop for countless family breakfasts, post-church brunches, and late-night pie runs. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

The decision to close wasn’t made lightly.

According to a regional manager, the restaurant faced mounting challenges: new competitors popping up nearby, shifting dining habits (hello, delivery apps and meal kits!), and the ever-present pressure of rising costs.

The last day of service will be November 30, so if you’re craving one last stack of buttermilk pancakes or a slice of their famous pie, now’s the time to make your pilgrimage.

Perkins: A slice of Americana​

For those who might not know, Perkins has a rich history that stretches back to 1958, when it opened as a humble pancake house in Ohio.

Over the decades, the brand has evolved—adding lunch and dinner, rebranding as Perkins Cake & Steak, then Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, and now, as of 2025, Perkins American Food Company.

Through it all, the heart of the menu has remained the same: classic American comfort food, served with a smile.

And let’s not forget the bakery!

Perkins locations are famous for their in-house pies, cakes, and pastries. Whether you’re a fan of the French Silk Pie or the Mammoth Muffins, the bakery case has always been a highlight.

A new chapter for Perkins​

While it’s sad to see a longtime location close, Perkins isn’t fading away. In fact, the company is looking to the future with a bold new vision.

Earlier this year, they opened a flagship restaurant in Orlando, Florida, featuring a modernized menu, updated décor, and the latest in restaurant technology.

Brand president Toni Ronayne described it as “our stake in the ground”, signaling a commitment to innovation while honoring the chain’s 66-year legacy.

If you’re in the South Bend area and worried about where to get your Perkins fix, don’t fret—there’s still a location open in Elkhart, just 21 miles east.

And with nearly 300 locations nationwide, Perkins remains a staple for breakfast lovers across the country.

The bigger picture: A tough year for restaurants​

Rising costs, changing habits, and fierce competition are reshaping how and where we eat. Image Source: Unsplash/Nick Hillier

Perkins isn’t alone in facing tough times. The restaurant industry has been hit hard in recent years, and 2025 is shaping up to be another challenging year.

Here’s a quick look at some other big names making headlines for closures:

• Denny’s: As many as 150 locations are expected to shut down before the year ends
• Red Lobster: Over 100 stores are on the chopping block as the chain restructures
• TGI Friday’s: Bankruptcy has forced the closure of dozens of locations, with more likely to follow
• Applebee’s: Projecting a loss of 20 to 35 spots, though they’re teaming up with IHOP for new dual-branded restaurants
• Noodles & Company: Between 17 and 21 locations are set to close after a tough 2024

It’s not just sit-down spots feeling the pinch. Even fast-casual and delivery-focused chains are rethinking their strategies.

Waffle House, for example, recently closed a 24-hour location in Pensacola, Florida, but is converting it into a delivery-only restaurant—proof that the industry is evolving to meet new demands.

Why are so many restaurants closing?​

The reasons are as varied as the menus.

Increased competition, rising food and labor costs, changing consumer habits (think: more takeout, less dine-in), and the lingering effects of the pandemic have all played a role.

For many chains, it’s a time of reinvention—streamlining operations, updating menus, and investing in technology to stay relevant.

What does this mean for diners?​

For those of us who grew up with these iconic chains, it can feel like losing an old friend. But it’s also a reminder to support the places we love—whether it’s a national chain or a local mom-and-pop diner. And who knows? The next time you visit a Perkins, you might find a fresh new look, a revamped menu, or even a high-tech ordering system.

Key Takeaways

• A beloved Perkins breakfast restaurant is closing its long-standing location on State Road 933 after 30 years, citing increased competition and changing dining habits.
• Despite the closure, other Perkins locations nearby, including one in Elkhart, about 21 miles away, will remain open for customers craving their favourite menu items.
• The Perkins brand is undergoing changes, having recently opened a flagship restaurant in Orlando with new menu offerings and modern features, and will officially be called Perkins American Food Company from 2025.
• The shutdown comes amid a larger trend of restaurant closures in the US, with competitors like Denny’s, Red Lobster, and TGI Friday’s also closing multiple locations due to profitability challenges.

Did you grow up going to Perkins? Do you have a favorite menu item or a special memory from a local breakfast spot? How do you feel about the wave of restaurant closures sweeping the country? We’d love to hear your stories, thoughts, and even your favorite pie recommendations!

Drop a comment below and join the conversation. Let’s celebrate the places that have brought us together—and look forward to the next chapter in America’s dining story.

And if you’re planning one last visit to your local Perkins before November 30, don’t forget to order a slice of pie for us!