LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Pancake House is set to reopen next Wednesday, after flooding forced the Lubbock restaurant to close for nearly six months.
Owner Jeff Stotts said the restaurant plans to welcome customers back on Feb. 18, following extensive renovations after September flooding damaged the building near Marsha Sharp Freeway and Avenue Q.
“By the 18th, good Lord willing, we’re opening the doors,” Stotts said.
The flooding forced a complete renovation of the restaurant’s interior.
“We totally had to gut it all the way down to the bone,” Stotts said.
Despite the extensive work, Stotts said he wanted to maintain the restaurant’s character.
“If you’ve been to the Pancake House, you kind of remember what it used to be like. It’s still old, rustic, and we want to maintain that look,” he said.
Stotts said he has spent nearly $400,000 on repairs, including new lighting, ceiling, electrical and HVAC systems. While insurance will provide some reimbursement, he paid for everything upfront without revenue coming in during the closure.
“It’s hard not getting, having any income. You know, bills don’t stop. They keep going out,” Stotts said.
Stotts is grateful for the support the restaurant has received. Lubbock City Council approved a $13,000 grant from Market Lubbock through the Downtown Grant Program Tuesday afternoon.
“An old saying my dad said, the shade of a toothpick is better than no shade at all,” Stotts said.
Stotts said his father, who previously owned the restaurant, has been his motivation to reopen. His father died in October, two months after the flooding.
“He loved it. He loved the people and all that. And so I said, well, I’m not going to let it die on my watch,” Stotts said.
Considered the oldest restaurant still active in Lubbock, Stotts is excited to continue the Pancake House’s legacy, with customers’ help.
“Hope everybody comes and visits with us for a while,” Stotts said.
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.