Pancake Pantry Founder Leaves Behind an Unparelelled Legacy
Pancake Pantry lost a legend, recently, with the passing of its founder, Jim Gerding. Most of us are familiar with this restaurant, and it is one of the first things people associate Gatlinburg with—pancakes. I never knew the man, but from what I’ve read and heard from the people who did, he was genuine and deeply involved in the community. Much of this can be gathered from reading his obituary, and I’ll do my best to summarize what he accomplished in his long, illustrious life.
Jim and June Gerding came to Gatlinburg with a vision, and that was to start a breakfast restaurant, which was actually a pretty groundbreaking venture in 1960. Today, we think of pancakes when this tourist town is mentioned, and these two are responsible for that.
It would’ve been very easy for this young couple to not be accepted in this Southern community, but they quickly earned people’s respect and admiration through goodwill and a solid business model. Jim was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana—just an hour away from where I grew up—and like all transplants, fell in love with this burgeoning mountain town.
With any business, it wasn’t easy, but perseverance kept them going, and they were able to purchase the land and building, finishing his grand vision of the slate roof, large windows, and oak interior in 1975 that guests still see today when they visit. It’s this foresight that warms the hearts of many, and I imagine still gives them the feeling that they are visiting the “old” Gatlinburg.
While the prices for their delicious pancakes and all-around fabulous breakfast items have increased, the quality has never diminished. Just ask the generations of people who pass through these doors every year. I can only speak from 10 years of visits to the Pancake Pantry, but I can attest to their consistent excellence. It’s little wonder this establishment has stood the test of time.
Like I stated earlier, Jim was an honored member of this community, who always seemed to be involved in some sort of positive aspect in the area. His accomplishments are having an impact on tourism, and will likely continue to, long after his passing.
He partnered with David Dych Sr. of the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen to establish The Village, an iconic shopping, snacking and relaxing Old World-ish style area of downtown Gatlinburg that has been a prominent spot since 1969. His other notable and noble positions he took up are numerous: chairman, vice-president, and treasurer of Our Savior Lutheran church; school board member, helping to establish the Pi Beta Phi School; president of the Kiwanis Club; helped sustain the Sevier County Hosptial Board as a member; served on the Dr. Thomas Foundation Board of Directors.
Also, he was a huge proponent, and key influence in the eventual underground wiring that was done for a big section of the Parkway and River Road. He advocated for the use of various other initiatives during the “Gatlinburg Goes Green” beautification process. Jim was always active in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains which he loved so much.
To no one’s surprise, Mr. Gerding won a handful of esteemed award for his contributions to the area. They include the following: the Zeno Wall Tourism Award; Citizen of the Year Award; Sevier County Jaycees Boss of the Year Award; Sevier County Mover and Shaker Award; the Tennessee House of Representatives Proclamation for a day named in his honor—one of the more prestigious awards bestowed.
All of these things may say a lot about the man, but it’s reinforced by his most prideful ones—family. Again, I can’t speak for him as a person, but it seems pretty obvious he was loved by many who were the closest to him. It’s evident he was a passionate man who believed in living life to its utmost potential, and if you want the long version of Jim Gerding as written in his obituary, you can check out the loving, elegant tribute to his life below.
I think many of us would feel fortunate to have at the very least spoken and had one conversation with the man. I’m sure he had many great stories to tell, and by the list of his selfless and impactful caused he supported, I would’ve loved to have sat and had a cup of coffee and breakfast with him at the very place that helped foster so much love to guests and locals alike. His life deserves to be celebrated; he will be missed.
I met him several times, have been to the Pancake Pantry 4x a year since I was 9 yrs old( now 70) my favorite pancakes EVER! Such a kind man as I would expect as a fellow Lutheran! Blessings to his family, friends and workers- will see him soon.
Corey, as I was traveling to Gatlinburg late last week, that was when I heard the news about Mr. Jim's passing. I was deeply saddened by the news and knew it was the end of a life well lived. Nearly every year since 1965, our family grew up going to Gatlinburg and always looked forward to eating there and seeing my Dad's friend, Jim Gerding. He became such good friends with my Dad, that when we would arrive for breakfast, he would come by the table once he spotted us, and, pull up a chair and chat with my Dad. He was kind, generous, caring, and a visionary. I'm in town until 2/04/2025 if you would like to meet for coffee before I head back to Louisiana.