Steve's Diner in Exeter one of six in nation to win Nutella Fancakes award

Aqeel Hisham, Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

EXETER — Breakfast at one of the town’s well-known eateries, Steve’s Diner, is about to be sweeter for residents.

Recently, Nutella announced results of the inaugural Fancakes Fan-Voted Indie Pancake Spot Award Sweepstakes, with Steve’s Diner named as one of six independent pancake restaurants declared winners.

Ledia Duka of Steve's Diner in Exeter shows off the pancakes that recently won the Nutella Fancakes Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve's Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.
Ledia Duka of Steve's Diner in Exeter shows off the pancakes that recently won the Nutella Fancakes Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve's Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.

“I feel proud,” said Ledia Duka, who co-owns the diner with her husband, Thanas. “My husband works really hard on (the restaurant), so it made us really happy.”

Nutella is a brand of hazelnut and cocoa spread, a sort of peanut butter on steroids.

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Restaurants were nominated through submissions from consumers nationwide. The sweepstakes began on March 1 and ended April 25. From there submissions were categorized into regions with the top two restaurants in each region being acknowledged as “Nutella Fan Favorites.”

Ledia and Thanas Duka of Steve's Diner in Exeter show off the pancakes that recently won the Nutella Fancake Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve's Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.
Ledia and Thanas Duka of Steve's Diner in Exeter show off the pancakes that recently won the Nutella Fancake Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve's Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.

The six winners were given a $5,000 prize and also a year’s worth of Nutella for the restaurant.

“Pancakes and the local small businesses that serve them, spread so much joy to people who go out to breakfast with friends and family," said Endri Shtylla, marketing director of Nutella at Ferrero USA in June 22 press release. "These pancake restaurants are integral parts of our communities, and we look forward to helping them continue the tradition of creating special breakfast moments.”

Steve’s Diner in Exeter recently won the Nutella Fancakes Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve’s Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.
Steve’s Diner in Exeter recently won the Nutella Fancakes Award. The competition is a fan-voted competition across America. Steve’s Diner was one of six independent pancake shop named winners.

Duka said she wasn’t even aware that her diner was nominated – not until she received a phone call from the brand itself.

“It just came to me by surprise,” she said.

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One of the perks of winning, according to Nutella, allows each restaurant to team up with the brand to create an exclusive Nutella pancake recipe. Duka said she is looking forward to adding more options to the diner’s pancake menu.

For Duka and her husband, the award is so much more than the money.

“It wasn’t about the $5,000 (prize) or the year's worth of Nutella supply,” said Duka. “We just feel happy that people voted for us and appreciate our hard work.”

2022 Nutella Fancake Award Winners:

  • Steve’s Diner (Exeter, New Hampshire)

  • The Pancake Pantry (Franklin, Tennessee)

  • The Magnolia Pancake House (San Antonio, Texas)

  • Pancake House (Lubbock, Texas)

  • Ricas Crepas (Los Angeles, California)

  • Cedric’s Family Restaurant (Idaho Falls, Idaho)

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Steve's Diner in Exeter, NH one of six in nation to win Nutella Fancakes award