Perkins Embraces New Ownership and Community Roots

For more than half a century, Perkins American Food Co. has been a comforting constant in Lawrence–a place where college students cram for exams over stacks of pancakes, families gather after soccer games, and generations return for the pies they swear taste just like home. Now, with new ownership and renewed enthusiasm for community connection, the Lawrence Perkins enters the holiday season with both pride in its past and excitement for its future.

The restaurant, open since 1974, is the longest-running eatery in Lawrence, a distinction that carries with it a trove of memories. Guests regularly share stories of late-night study sessions, family breakfasts stretching back decades, and the childhood comfort of a warm muffin on a cold Kansas morning. Those stories mean something not just to the staff, but also to the restaurant’s new owner, Domingo Gallardo.

Gallardo is hardly a stranger. After more than two decades with Perkins Corporate–starting as a General Manager in 2001 and later moving into the Regional Manager program–he finally realized his longtime dream of owning his own location. His restaurant career began in his teens, and Perkins has been woven through nearly every chapter since. In Lawrence, that familiarity matters.

“Everyone has been very positive,” says Director of Operations Lori Jamieson. “He’s been part of our team to begin with, so he’s a very familiar face to both staff and guests.”

That continuity is important, but so is Gallardo’s commitment to building something even more rooted in Lawrence. Since assuming ownership last June, he has leaned into community involvement–including participation in Taste of Lawrence and an expansion of local marketing efforts. And this fall, Perkins introduced a new annual tradition: a Give Kids The World golf tournament. “We will continue it every year,” Jamieson says. “It’s something we’re really proud of.”

As the restaurant looks ahead, Gallardo’s vision centers on welcoming new guests, boosting sales with thoughtful menu offerings, and eventually remodeling and refreshing the space. But the present moment–especially the holiday season–offers its own opportunity to reconnect with the community.

Holiday Flavor, Familiar Warmth

For many Lawrence families, the holidays at Perkins mean one thing: pies. The return of pumpkin and pecan pies signals the start of the season, and Jamieson notes that both remain customer favorites year after year. “We bake and decorate all of our pies in-house,” she says. “Along with cookies and muffins.” In addition to classic desserts, the bakery lineup this year includes pumpkin cream muffins and pumpkin donut muffins–festive additions that complement the everyday favorites regulars rely on.

Perhaps the biggest source of excitement this season is Perkins’ new family meals. Designed as take-home, hot-and-ready dishes that feed up to four, they’ve already become a popular solution for busy families. Larger Celebration Meals, serving up to 10, provide another convenient option for holiday gatherings, office potlucks, or nights when the kitchen at home just needs a break.

And the sweet treats don’t stop with pies. Perkins’ “hidden gem,” according to Jamieson, is the Raspberry Lemon Drop, a dessert she recommends to newcomers. Among non-dessert baked goods, the carrot cake and chocolate overload cake have developed devoted followings, while new seasonal beverages–including cranberry tea and a cranberry half-and-half–are drawing interest from customers wanting a refreshing holiday flavor.

Balancing tradition and innovation is always a challenge during the holidays, but Jamieson credits the marketing team for helping keep Perkins’ offerings both familiar and fresh. “They continue to do our favorite menu items and add new flavors on a regular basis,” she says.

Festive and Family-Centered

Inside the restaurant, the holidays are visible in the décor–and in the staff’s enthusiasm. Employees are encouraged to dress for the season, which adds both personality and cheer to the dining room. That sense of fun matters, Jamieson says, because guests often come to Perkins not just for a meal but for an experience.

“We hope that guests will take away memories with their families that last a lifetime,” she explains. “From our excellent customer service to our delicious dishes, we guarantee you’ll leave with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.”

This year, Perkins will continue a longstanding tradition of closing on Christmas Day so employees can spend the holiday with their families. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the restaurant also supports each location’s internal celebrations–another reminder that behind every plate of pancakes or slice of pie is a team that feels like family.

A Community Staple With More to Come

As Perkins settles into its new chapter of ownership, Jamieson says one of the biggest priorities is developing staff and strengthening community involvement. Those efforts build upon a legacy of almost unmatched longevity in Lawrence’s dining scene.

From its start as a corporate location in 1974 to its transition to franchise ownership under Dan Esmond in 1994–and now to Gallardo’s leadership–Perkins has remained a place where memories accumulate as steadily as crumbs on a plate of warm muffins. “Many guests tell us about the generations of their families that have eaten here,” Jamieson says. “The stories about college days, late-night visits, or homework all-nighters never stop. We always have pancakes to fill bellies, but our guests always have stories to fill our hearts.”

That combination of friendly faces, community roots, and comforting food is part of what makes the Lawrence location special. But the restaurant’s menu also continues to evolve in response to customer tastes. Jamieson notes that new limited-time items, including three flavors of Pancake Flips and the popular Turkey Gobbler Sandwich, have quickly become hits.

As word spreads and the holidays bring an influx of families, travelers, and locals seeking a familiar meal, Perkins hopes that those who haven’t visited before will finally give it a try. “If you’ve never been here before,” Jamieson says with a smile, “what are you waiting for?”

And as the new year approaches, Perkins stands at a crossroads that feels more like an open door–one held by a team excited about tradition, energized by new leadership, and dedicated to serving the community that has embraced it for 51 years. With pies in the oven, holiday décor on the walls, and new ideas simmering for the future, the restaurant is ready to welcome guests old and new into its next chapter.

Because at Perkins, the memories aren’t just in the past–they’re served fresh daily.