GALESBURG (25News Now) – By now, most of Central Illinois has heard about the best pancake around, and the owner of the restaurant it is from.
Judy’s Family Café in Galesburg on Broad Street is owned by Judy Wang. Her and her social media manager’s videos on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have been going viral. They said the posts get three million views each day.
An immigrant entrepreneur from China, Wang opened Judy’s Family Café in 2019 to have a steady income. The restaurant struggled to bring in enough cash during the pandemic, but the family says thanks to the videos, people are traveling up to seven hours to eat at the café.
“It’s like 30 to 50 percent [more busy],” Wang said. “Right now, every day we have people from three hours, two hours, drive and come here, and get pancakes.”
The cafe’s social media manager from Monmouth company Clear Profits Digital Marketing, Victor Dantas, said the restaurant had received 35 million views on just one video. He said it has been an enjoyable experience working with Wang.
“It’s funny, it’s fun,” Dantas said. “We come up with ideas, she comes up with ideas. She’s also a great person and helps the community.”
Dantas said he knew the videos would do well, but was surprised at the monumental success online.
“She has a very good following,” Dantas said. “She has fans and people that really love her.”
The city is also benefitting from the tourists the café is attracting. Wang said when people from out of the area come to visit the restaurant, they stay in hotels, explore, and shop in the city.
Galesburg wants to tap into her social media presence. Wang said she will be working with Galesburg city leaders to collaborate on social media videos, hoping to bring in more tourists.
She said most of all, she is grateful for all the café regulars’ and new followers’ support.
“Thank you for supporting me for five years. They just keep supporting me.” Wang said. “Really, thank you.”
Wang also said the restaurant will be expanding. Keeping the current Broad Street location open, they will be opening a second café downtown in Spring 2025.
Judy’s Family Café is open every day of the week, serving breakfast and lunch, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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