Happy Jack Pancake House is and always has been a family owned and operated restaurant. Established in 1963 by Richard Smith, the original location on Wicomico St & Baltimore Ave is remembered for its large collection of antique bottles lining the rafters and its long lines of customers waiting for breakfast down the block.

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Current owner, Bob Torrey, purchased the business in 1983, at the age of 26, with no restaurant experience but a passion for breakfast and a love of Ocean City. Happy Jacks moved to its current location on 26th Street in 1992 and has been churning out breakfast for Ocean City visitors and locals ever since.  All four of Bob’s children have worked at the restaurant over the years, and his second daughter Megan became partner in the business in 2020, planning to continue the family tradition for years to come.