DeLEON SPRINGS, Fla. – An iconic Central Florida restaurant will continue to serve pancakes -- or will allow you to keep making them.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill has signed a five-year deal with the state of Florida to continue operations at DeLeon Springs State Park, owner Patty Schwarze told News 6 on Wednesday.
The restaurant, which features recessed griddles in its tables so guests can make their own flapjacks, has been operating as a concession for the Florida Park Service since 1961. Earlier this year, Schwarze was concerned that her family-run business could close because her renewal requests were going unanswered.
Schwarze told News 6 last week that she had a verbal agreement, which is now signed, sealed and delivered.
Schwarze, who has been in charge of the restaurant since 1980, said customers' emails and calls to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection "got the proverbial ball rolling."
"The support from our customers was incredible," she said. "Who knows if they would've considered it without them?"
Schwarze also told News 6 that the restaurant has seen an influx of patrons since she went public with the possibility of it closing.
"More and more people are coming in, whether it's to show their support or thinking it could be their last time here," she said.