It’s time for Dishing with Diane, where you, our viewers, shine a spotlight on your favorite local breakfast diners. This week, we’re heading to Merrillville, Indiana, home to Sophia’s Famous Pancakes.
Just off I-65, Sophia’s is easy to locate, but the food will make it hard to leave. Customers rave about the welcoming vibe and friendly staff.
Chris Parsons, a loyal patron, shares, “When you’re here, you feel like you’re part of their family. We come two to three times a week.” That sense of community is evident everywhere you look.
I met with Bill Lalezas, the owner, who once worked as a Union Electrician. He followed in his father’s footsteps and now runs three locations of Sophia’s. Bill is proud of the diner’s 22-year legacy. “We keep it simple, use fresh ingredients, and prepare everything in-house,” he says. He plans to expand, showing his commitment to this beloved spot.
One of the standout dishes is the baked apple pancake, which takes 45 minutes to prepare. “We use fresh Granny Smith apples, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, then bake them in our homemade batter,” Bill explains.
Other favorites include their hearty omelets and the fun ice cream breakfast, which kids adore. Bill smiles as he describes it: “It’s got whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a bit of everything.”
With delicious food and a warm atmosphere, it’s no wonder that customers keep returning. Chris sums it up perfectly: “The food is great, and the staff are simply phenomenal.”
Sophia’s isn’t just a diner; it’s part of the community, bringing people together with every delicious meal.
For more insights into iconic breakfast spots, check out this piece on the history of diners in America and how they shaped local culture.
Learn more about the significance of diners in American culture.
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Chris Parsons, Merrillville, Indiana, Dishing, ABC7 Chicago, Diane, locally owned
