Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes???

One of the first thing visitors to the towns surrounding the Smokey Mountains notice is the exorbitant numbers of restaurants specializing in pancakes.To visitors Pigeon Forge has to be the pancake capitol of the universe. Names like The Log Cabin Pancake House, Flapjacks Pancake Cabin, Log Cabin Pancake House, Red Rooster Pancake House, Smokey Mountain Pancake House , and  Smokey's Pancake House
draw hungry visitors in for pancakes.

As to why Pigeon Forge is the pancake capitol of the world, no one seems to know, although everyone has their own ideas. At the Pigeon Forge Visitors Center my question regarding the origins of the pancake house was recieved with a puzzled look by the gentlemen behind the desk. Looking at me as if I were from outer space he said, " Most people are here on vacation and pancakes are a comfort food and pancakes make them feel good." 

I asked lots of people; people that were born and raised here, owners and staff at the pancake house and Google. No one had the answer as to how Pigeon Forge became the Pancake Capitol and I guess it dosen't matter .

The only thing I do know is that it is impossible to visit the Smokey Mountains and not eat at least one time in one of the many Pancake Houses that grace the area.