DE LEON SPRINGS, Fla. – Guests visiting De Leon Springs State Park can make their own pancakes once again.
The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House opened its doors on Monday.
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In a Facebook post, the new vendor said, “The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House at De Leon Springs State Park is now officially open! Come join us for some breakfast favorites like classic French toast, unlimited build-your-own pancakes, and more! We can’t wait to see you here!”
The previous owners operated the breakfast restaurant, previously named the Old Spanish Sugar Mill for 61 years before closing the doors in September.
“We have been blessed to serve as a Central Florida staple since 1961,” the Old Spanish Sugar Mill owner wrote on Facebook. “We sincerely thank you for making us your ‘go-to’ for when you’ve got company or a chocolate chip-pancake craving. Thank you again for sharing those memories with us. The Sugar Mill was without a doubt the coolest breakfast restaurant in America.”
John Michaelos, owner of the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, said he submitted a bid to keep the business running but was outbid by another concessionaire.
According to the Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees state parks, Guest Services, Inc., took over as the new concessionaire for De Leon Springs State Park, though the mill itself will remain.
“This is kind of a soft opening right now, as of yesterday. We’re moving toward our grand opening, which will take place in the beginning of November,” said Matthew Smith, district manager of Guest Services, Inc.
Smith said there was a slight remodel, with newer tables built and others brought in.
“It does look a little different. Everything still operates the same. Same size griddle, same syrup, same honey, same molasses, all that stuff. The table’s bigger, so you have more space to actually enjoy your meal on,” Smith said. “It gives you kind of the dining experience of more people kind of family style.”
Ruthie Valeri visited the restaurant from Davenport with her husband.
“I thought it was like so cool. It’s gorgeous. It’s beautiful. He cooked his own breakfast. How much better does it get than that?” Valeri said.
“The restaurant’s famous cook-your-own pancakes will still be available in the authentic, sugar mill building overlooking one of Florida’s most beautiful natural settings,” the Department of Environmental Protection said in a statement earlier this year.
The restaurant offers breakfast favorites, unlimited build-your-own pancakes and more.
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