The Old European Story
1989: The concept of REMEMBERING OUR HERITAGE came to life in the form of “Old Country Waffles Cakes and Teas,” (later to be renamed The Old European Restaurant), opened in Pullman Washington.
It came about that a little deserted building which had at one time been a pancake house sat unoccupied and needed to be reopened. Francie Parker was asked by her then husband Rick Pedersen and the other investors to develop a name, a menu, and a décor that would give this little business a special life.
In contemplation of how this business could have special meaning, the marvelous thinking hard work and endurance which led our founding fathers, our great and great, great grandparents, to come to America to live their lives in a new country, served as reason to honor our American heritage in this little business. Our way of paying tribute first is to remember their struggle and dedication to new life by serving the very same recipes which they brought with them from “the old country."
The idea of using our restaurant to tell their stories and serve their favorite recipes seemed a perfect tribute to their dedication to God, Family and Country. Especially true if indeed the food was prepared from scratch in much the same manner as they had done. Twenty five years later, this tribute continues.
“Gosc w Dom, Bag w Dom”
The mission statement she chose is “Gosc w Dom, Bag w Dom”. A Polish saying which means "Guest in the House, God in the House." If a theme song could be played, it would be Neil Diamond’s “They Come to America.” He describes the hope these brave men and women had when they left all they'd previously known to stake out a better life for us, their children.
In today’s fast food world, life has become all about saving money and time. Plastic has replaced wood and steel.
Fabrication has replaced craftsmanship. Mixes have replaced foods prepared from scratch. But that is not the case at The Old European Restaurants. We use only original recipes which have made it across the Atlantic. All our batters are made fresh with real products like eggs that we crack, 100% butter and milk. We serve real potatoes, real whipped cream, fresh ground coffee, and yes, we do squeeze real oranges so we can serve you truly fresh orange juice from scratch!
Unique and special signature items which you must try are: German Potato Pancakes, Danish Aebelskievers, Dutch Babies, Swedish Crepes, Cream of Tomato Basil Soup with homemade Sunflower Wheat Bread. Also for lunch you can get a real German Ruben on Dark Rye, or a Greek Chicken and Vegetable sandwich with an array of homemade soups.
In hopes of remembering…
Francie, her daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters are still involved in this small family business in Pullman and Post Falls. They are directly managed by great granddaughter Melynnda. Everyone involved understands the rich heritage, appreciates it and strives to carry on the traditions in the form of authentic scratch made food and old world service.