the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Icon Milan Pavlovic , owner of Country Pancake House, a loving husband of 54 years, proud father, and Ridgewood resident passed away on March 4, 2021. Service will be held at Feeney Funeral Home,232 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood on March 22th from 4-8pm with eulogy at 6pm. The Family of Milan Pavlovic says all are welcomed. Country Pancake House at 140 E Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 is closed.
Milan Pavlovic made people happy with food, enormous quantities of food in fact some of the largest portions you’ve ever seen. He opened the Country Pancake House and Restaurant in Ridgewood in 1992, and for many it became a destination. In 2010 millions of Americans discovered what Ridgewood residents have known for years: Country Pancake House and Restaurant means BIG breakfast. The restaurant was on the Travel Channel’s 101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown countdown.
According to the Country Pancake House website,” Back in the late sixties, owner Milan looked for places to eat but, was not satisfied by the undeserved and overpriced options available to him. He worked hard to create his own restaurant with hearty portions to satisfy any appetite. Our large portions have fresh ingredients at reasonable prices for everyone to enjoy. We are happy to say that we purchase fresh food locally from different farms and markets.”
Love that place! I discovered it through winning a donation they made that I won At a Chinese auction many years ago, And one time they had a sign up that they were opening a new place in Sarasota Florida and I have a condo down there for 17 years we used to go there all the time but unfortunately due to the pandemic they are closed down in Sarasota now
I use to work there..Milan is such a great man, can’t even begin to explain, and his life…wuh, veryyy movie-like! He knew businees, he knew people, he understood life!
May he rest in peace.
I hope pancake house still remains!
So sad to have read this about Milan. He was a great boss to work for and a great man who loved his family!! So sorry to his family. I know Ridgewood NJ and Sarasota FL lost a legacy. RIP Milan
Thank you so much for all the heart felt messages, texts, and phone calls my family and I have gotten over the past few days. My Dad was an amazing person and all are welcome to pay tribute to him and his legacy on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Feeny Funeral Home. The Pancake House will re-open on Saturday March 13 at 8 am.
Much love and many blessings to all, Natalie – Milan’s daughter
Feeny Funeral Home, Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 4-8pm
Pancake House reopening Saturday, March, 13, 2021 at 8 am.
So sorry to hear about your father. I saw a post that the restaurant is permanently closed down?
So sorry to hear your dad passed away. May he rest in peace. We brought my grandson there on his 3rd birthday he wanted a giant pancake. Your dad brought it to him and wished him a Happy birthday! He also put his picture in front window! He made his day.
We wanted to bring my granddaughter there next week for her birthday. She was so excited to get a giant pancake like her brother. Sorry to read that your store is closed. Thanks for the wonderful memory of that day!
So sad to have read this about Milan. He was a great boss to work for and a great man who loved his family!! So sorry to his family. I know Ridgewood NJ and Sarasota FL lost a legacy. RIP Milan
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My deepest condolences .
Is the Country Pancake house re opening?
I read that the restaurant is permanently closed, is that true? That would be so sad. Milan’s legacy should continue forever. God bless his family
Wow, I am so sorry to hear about Milan’s passing. I used to work at the exact same address as the restaurant, 140 east ridge wood avenue, but in Paramus. I would come once In a while for lunch and also every 6 weeks or so on Sundays. My parents are buried in a cemetery in Paramus and I would go there and to the pancake house for lunch. That is how I found out about his passing. I showed up on April 18 and saw the sign. I travel all the way from Bayside Queens. What a really nice man. He would tell me about Ridgewood queens where I believe he lived before moving to ridgewood NJ. My best wishes to the entire family
Yesterday, I just found out as I was calling to pass a to go order that one of our favorite places was permanently closed! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My family and friends enjoyed many wonderful meals at you restaurant. Thank you and take care. 💖🧇🍳🥞🧈🥓☕️🥤🥐
Did the restaurant close? If not, what is your phone number and hours of operation. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My Husband and I Enjoyed having Dinners on Friday Nights when the Restaurant
wasn’t busy . We Loved talking to your Father, he was very Kind and Wise!
We will Miss Him and the Pancake House.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with your Family during this difficult time.
I’m devastated to just learn about his passing. My deepest condolences to the entire family. I will surely miss my friend who shared his life’s experiences and his insights on running a spectacular business.
Truly, a wonderful kind and loving man. Rest in piece my friend.
The Best of the best. I took my children and then my children’s children for the most delicious breakfasts and pleasant service. Thank you for all the cornbread and butter we could eat too. Bless you and God keep you.
My heart is still hunting from his passing. That was and will always be my favorite place. For years my husband and I enjoyed going there for breakfast, lunch or early dinner. Never leaving unsatisfied. Everyone always had a smile and was kind.
His son The Chief) which is what I called him. always took time out for a personal hello.
Family celebration we will always hold dear in our hearts.
We are proud to have known Mr.Milan Pavlovic, thank you and those who worked for you also.
I’m sure Mr. Milan made an impression on millions of people throughout his life as he was a
beautiful special sweet one of a kind soul.
Milan Pavlovic, may your Country Pancake House never be forgotten.
My it live in ever one hearts as it will be in our family forever.
I am just finding out about this after reaching out to my brother today to plan Father’s Day breakfast this Sunday with our Dad at this wonderful place. 😔 I am so sorry about this news. God bless this family and staff and thank you so much for all the memories. 🖤
I just saw the article of Milan’s passing. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a kind person. He reminded me of my Paternal Pop Pop with the way he dressed and spoke. Deepest Condolences to all of you. I will also miss the menu and Chocolate Chip Bread with fresh Butter. Xoxo
So sorry to read about the loss of your father . We will miss this Resturant for its iconic pancakes. My kids grew up eating breakfasts here and always couldn’t wait to bring a friend here too. They talk about the monster size pancakes and their friend can’t believe until they ate here too.
Will certainly miss this place and again sorry to read about the list of a iconic man.
I never had the chance to go to this restaurant and always wished I had and now regret it immensely. And having now discovered it wasn’t due to the passing of what seems like a lovely man I’m even more deeply saddened. I guess Carpe Diem rings true here… enjoy the pancakes and enjoy life. May he Rest In Peace and I’m sorry I never had the chance to eat here or meet this lovely man!
I never had the chance to go to this restaurant and always wished I had and now regret it immensely. And having now discovered it was due to the passing of what seems like a lovely man I’m even more deeply saddened. I guess Carpe Diem rings true here… enjoy the pancakes and enjoy life. May he Rest In Peace and I’m sorry I never had the chance to eat here or meet this lovely man!
My daughter spoke so highly of the CPH, in her town walks she would pass by hoping they would soon be open, so she could have her favorite breakfast platter, and speak with the workers.
This was by far her favorite restaurant. So sorry for the loss of your father. The CPH will be greatly missed.