During the mid 1960's, the local Kiwanis Club in Pocahontas, Iowa, was preparing for their annual pancake supper. Since the preparation and presentation of the meal was labor intensive, requiring a large group of men, the idea of building a portable grill capable of serving large groups of people in a short span of time was contrived by Mr. Lorin Christiansen. His idea was to build the grill and r
educe the workload at the pancake event and, occasionally, lease the grill to other groups. However, since Lorin was the primary cook and always the entertainment it was natural that he and his grill become a team. Thus, Chris Cakes Pancake Catering was founded. The business catered to civic organizations initially but soon the agricultural implement dealers, tire manufacturers and other businesses in the area were calling to have Lorin provide the food and entertainment for their customer appreciation days, grand openings and employee appreciation days. The serving area soon expanded to include Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and a small portion of Nebraska. During the ensuing years, churches, schools and more civic organizations were looking upon the pancake feeds as a great fundraising idea. The name Chris Cakes was becoming well known throughout the area and soon the Des Moines Register--who sponsors the bike ride across Iowa called "RAGBRAI"--was interested in the catering service. Soon, other bike rides, fishing tournaments and additional fundraising organizations were calling regarding the catering service that provides a great meal prepared fast, efficient and reasonably priced with a fun time for all who attend. In January, 1992, the business was sold to Coterie Enterprises, Inc. a Missouri based Corporation that is family owned. The owners, Gregg, Donna, Darren, Evonne and Ted White continue to operate the business as Chris Cakes and have expanded the original five states to eight by including the states of Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. Chris Cakes provides its own blend of pancake mix--which is sold in over 200 specialty shops and supermarkets--maple syrup, sausage, margarine, orange drink, coffee and all tableware at each of its pancake feeds. It takes approximately one and one half hours to set up and one hour to break down and only requires their host to provide the place, table and chairs, and four to eight people to help serve, depending on the number of to be served. There is no charge for the fun and entertainment that is provided.
