In a world of fast food and chain restaurants, this cute spot tucked away in Draper has quietly become the breakfast destination that locals consistently go gaga over 🥞.
Penny Ann’s Cafe transformed from a small family dream into a beloved institution that has customers lining up eagerly every single morning, proving that sometimes the best things come in humble packages 🌟.
How Penny Ann’s Won Locals’ Hearts
The secret to Penny Ann’s success lies in the perfect combination of genuine family hospitality and food so exceptional it has earned them the prestigious Best of State Award for Best Breakfast for an incredible ten consecutive years 🏆.
The Willey family, originally from upstate New York, brought their East Coast diner philosophy to Utah in 2011, opening their first location in downtown Salt Lake City.
Their approach was simple yet revolutionary: treat every customer like family and never compromise on quality.
What truly captured hearts was their commitment to making everything from scratch, just like grandma used to do.
Head chef Warren Willey, who honed his skills at Park City’s prestigious Westgate Grill for a decade before joining the family venture, developed the now-legendary “Heavenly Hot Cakes” recipe that would become their signature calling card 🧑🍳.
The family atmosphere created by sisters Penny Ann and Cindy, who can often be found seating guests and chatting with regulars, combined with their parents Wayne and Jane helping with daily operations, created an authenticity that diners craved.
The instant popularity at their original location led to expansion, with the Draper location opening in December 2014, quickly proving that their recipe for success could be replicated without losing its charm ✨.
Food Highlights
- Heavenly Hot Cakes: Light and airy sour cream pancakes that have become legendary among locals, these signature stacks are what put Penny Ann’s on the map and earned them their “Best Breakfast” reputation 🥞
- Pot of Gold: A hearty skillet featuring home fried potatoes mixed with ham, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, topped with cheddar cheese, two eggs, and smothered in homemade sausage gravy – described by reviewers as “a mélange of deliciousness” 🍳
- Penny Puffs: Light and airy fried dough puffs coated in cinnamon sugar that have become a must-try side dish and Instagram favorite among diners 🍩
- PAC BAM Waffle: An innovative creation featuring chopped bacon soaked in pure maple syrup, then added directly to the waffle mix and cooked golden brown – a perfect example of their creative approach to classic comfort food 🧇
- Pork Chili Verde Skillet: Home fried potatoes topped with cheddar cheese and two eggs, smothered in housemade pork chili verde sauce that showcases their commitment to scratch-made cooking 🌶️
- Stuffed French Toast: Available in varieties like Banana Nutella, Strawberry Nutella, Caramel Pecan, and White Chocolate Chip with Raspberry, elevating the classic breakfast dish to dessert-worthy status 🍞
Atmosphere
Penny Ann’s embodies the quintessential family-owned diner experience with its cozy, comfortable setting that makes every guest feel like they’re dining in someone’s home 🏠.
The small, intimate space creates a warm, bustling energy where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are instantly welcomed into the fold.
The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the scratch-made cooking process, while family members can be spotted throughout the restaurant – from Penny Ann and Cindy seating guests to parents Wayne and Jane helping with daily operations.
The authentic East Coast diner atmosphere the Willey family worked to recreate features classic booth seating, friendly chatter, and the comforting sounds of a busy kitchen where everything is prepared with love 💕.
Bottom Line
Penny Ann’s Cafe has earned its devoted following through ten years of Best of State breakfast awards, genuine family hospitality that makes every customer feel special, legendary Heavenly Hot Cakes that live up to their reputation, everything made from scratch with no shortcuts, and an authentic diner atmosphere that creates lasting memories with every visit 🌟.
Address: 280 E 12300 S, Draper, UT 84020
📞 (801) 662-0009
🕰️ Open 7 Days a Week, 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM