Being raised on a 1500-acre dairy farm in New Creek, WV, instilled the values, morals and work ethic that was the catalyst to success in business. For Pancake, it all started with a part-time job as a cook and chicken cutter at a local KFC franchise in his native West Virginia. He ultimately spent 10 years with KFC working his way up to Regional Manager. A five-year stint as Senior Director of Company Operations for Roasters Corporation, the franchisor for Kenny Rogers Roasters, followed before the critical move to Cincinnati in 1997 to join Buffalo Wild Wings. While at BWW, Inc., he moved to the headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, and was the Sr. Director of Company Operations and oversaw 80 restaurants in 13 states.
Bobby met Steve Wheat while working for Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. Steve was the Local Store Marketing Manager. They spent many business trips discussing their dream of starting their own restaurant and developing their business plan. Their timing was perfect. In 2003, the pair was introduced to Thom Kreusch, a developer and serial entrepreneur from Dayton, OH and they decided to partner up and become franchisees of the growing brand. Pancake and Wheat (High 5 Hospitality, LLC) own the development rights for the entire state of Delaware and three counties in Maryland.
Success has not been without its adversities. Within six weeks of opening the first restaurant, Mr. Kreusch died unexpectedly. It was a huge personal setback for the entrepreneurs.
Twenty years later, High 5 Hospitality now operates nine (9) Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars, seven (7) Jersey Mike’s Subs, two (2) Eggspectation restaurants, two (2) BWWGO franchises, and an independent restaurant – Limestone BBQ & Bourbon in Delaware & Maryland employing over 825 team members. They recently signed development agreements with Jersey Mike’s and BWWGO for an additional eight locations. Growth in all five brands and real estate development is the vision over the next five years while continuing to vet out both franchise and independent restaurant concepts.
They have received accolades for their accomplishments along the way. In 2005, they were named New Franchisee of the Year by BWW, Inc. In 2009, Bobby received the Founders Award from Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., recognizing the individual who best personifies the vision, enthusiasm, work ethic and humility of the chain’s late founder, Jim Disbrow. The SBA honored High 5, LLC in 2010 as the National Entrepreneur Success Award winner. In June of 2010, on an invitation from President Obama, the business partners traveled to The White House and met with the President, in the oval office, to discuss small business. They were named the Delaware Restaurant Association’s Restaurateurs of the Year for 2011 and in 2020 awarded the Buffalo Wild Wings Franchisee of the Year. Bobby was recently inducted into the Jonah Edward Kelley Legion of Honor and recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration Delaware Legacy Award winner.
In addition to operating restaurants, Pancake has gone back to his roots by forming Claysville Cattle Company with his cousins in West Virginia. They have partnered with 44 Farms from Cameron, TX and are raising Certified Angus Beef & Certified Simmental cattle.
Besides his role as CEO of the organization, Bobby serves on the Board of Directors for The Delaware Restaurant Association (Past Chairman), Franchise Business Services (FBS) & Eggspectation North America. In addition, he serves on the Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Advisory Council (BWWFAC), participating in two subcommittees (Fixed Assets and Restaurant Operations/Execution). He is also a Civic Leader with for USAF Air Mobility Command.
Bobby and his wife Heather reside in Bear, DE. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.
