THE GOLDEN PANCAKE HOUSE CELEBRATES 5 YEARS IN CENTRALIA

Owner Matt Elezi (LEFT) with employee Jessica Marke (RIGHT). 

The Golden Pancake House

618-918-3179

720 W. Broadway, Centralia, IL

The Golden Pancakes House (thegoldenpancakehouse.com)

Celebrating half a decade in Centralia this year, The Golden Pancake House has established itself as one of the community’s premiere restaurants.

Owned and operated by Matt Elezi, a second-generation restauranteur, who opened the business with his wife, Timka, The Golden Pancake House remains dedicated to its ever-growing clientele.

Elezi said he and Timka, who originally hailed from the Springfield area, chose to open a restaurant in Centralia because of the community itself and the welcoming nature of its residents.

“The people here are so friendly and nice,” he said. “We are enjoying the community so much. We have such good regular customers here, and we have a great support system.”

Elezi said he likes to keep things interesting for his customers as well, with a rotating menu that always has something new to taste, all while maintaining its signature dishes.

“The kitchen is art,” Elezi said. “We are alternating our menu every year and creating more new things. We try to serve grea food and give great service.”

Elezi said opening a restaurant came with plenty of challenges, however, not to mention enduring a pandemic only a few years into business.

“Opening a restaurant is a struggle, but we made it. It was a process, and it took time,” Elezi said. “During [the opening] we did a lot of remodeling and kind of update the property. We have tried to do more, but with where the economy is, we have done what we can for now.”

Yet The Golden Pancake House has persisted, boasting a 22-person crew including its owners, who have recently set their sights on expanding their reach to the greater area.

With five years in the rearview, lively menus, droves of loyal customers, and new business ventures on the horizon, the future looks bright for Elezi and his team.

“Restaurants are a challenge. Every day is a challenge and its ongoing,” he said. “But, we have a great staff. The customers are so nice. We have just been blessed. Yes, it is a challenge owning a restaurant, but our staff and our customers make it so easy and worthwhile for us.”

“I want to thank Centralia,” Elezi continued. “We are truly blessed. We are so thankful to have such a good clientele that is so supportive. We want to thank them.”