Breakfast, lunch and dinner; pancakes can be enjoyed any time of the day and the popularity of pancake restaurants in the Netherlands certainly shows just how true this is. One of the biggest drivers behind the success of Dutch pancake houses is the ageing population as many grandparents treat their grandchildren to a tasty outing with pancakes.  

Dutch pancake restaurants popular among grandparents

According to a report by ABN Amro, 75 percent of the turnover at pancake houses in the Netherlands is attributed to seniors visiting them with their families. As the population continues to age, with Statistics Netherlands (CBS) predicting that the percentage of residents aged 65 years or older will increase from 20,5 percent in 2024 to 24,9 percent in 2040, pancake houses can expect to have even more business in the future.

"The ageing population means that more grandparents and their children and grandchildren are finding their way to pancake restaurants," Janneke van der Ham of the Association of Recognised Pancake Restaurants told NOS. 

Pancake houses thrive in the Netherlands

There are currently 339 pancake restaurants in the Netherlands - almost 12 percent more than there were in 2010, reported the Dutch bank. Not only are there more of the restaurants, but in the past eight years there have been only five bankruptcies in the pancake sector, making it the most stable of the catering industry.

Whether your choice is sweet or savoury, what makes the restaurants so popular is that pancakes are usually quite cheap and are served quickly, making them a top pick for a meal out with small children. Pancake houses are also often found in great locations in Dutch cities near nature reserves that are easy to reach by cycling and walking, which according to ABN Amro “makes them ideal for families, cyclists and walkers.” 

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