The Original Pancake House, 2621 N. Downer Ave., opened for business on Monday, May 29. The space -- which is known by many Milwaukeeans as "the old Coffee Trader" -- underwent major renovations to accommodate the cozy breakfast eatery.

"We're happy to fill a need in this neighborhood," says Jeff Winter, director of food and beverage. "This space was empty for too long."

Joe DeRosa -- along with Winter -- owns Milwaukee's only other Original Pancake House franchise, 16460 W. Bluemound Rd. in Brookfield.

The menu features "everything breakfast," including crepes, waffles, omelettes and, of course, pancakes. Signature items include the apple pancake, a single, large pancake smothered with sautéed apples and cinnamon sugar and then baked ($8.95) and the Dutch Baby ($7.95), an air-filled, oven-baked pancake served with lemon, whipped butter and powdered sugar.

Egg specialties and five-egg omelettes are also available, priced between $8.50 and $9.50. The Original Pancake House serves Superior Coffee's Colombia Sumatra for $1.95 per cup.

"Everything is baked from scratch daily," says Winter. "We even squeeze the OJ every morning."

The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Ore. in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. The Downer location is the 150th fanchise to open in the United States.

"So far, so good," says Winter. "I think this neighborhood will really appreciate our high quality food in a cool atmosphere."

The Orignal Pancake House is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (414) 431-5055.