Jodi Hortze, the founder of West Hollywood’s beloved Griddle Cafe, took the red carpet on Thursday night to launch her famous red velvet pancake mix. The star-studded evening was hosted by actress Eliza Dushku and took place at Kitson on Robertson Boulevard. Hortze’s friends, family and fans of The Griddle Cafe came out to spend an evening celebrating their love for her delectable red velvet pancakes.

Among the attendees were former Los Angeles Laker Rick Fox, who mentioned that he loves the pancakes but that eating them often requires extra workouts, singer David Cook of American Idol, singer and guitarist Michelle Branch and former 90210 actor Ian Ziering.

According to Hortze, "The red velvet pancakes are the second most popular item on The Griddle Cafe’s menu. “I just added them in August. It’s crazy!” 

Hortze, often referred to as the "Willy Wonka of Breakfast," is a self-trained chef known for her innovative style and creative dishes that bring crowds of people lining up outside of her restaurant every day. “I’m so excited about the launch. It’s just another level of me being the ‘Willy Wonka of Breakfast.’ I love the way the movie made chocolate and candy come to life and that’s what I try to do with food–red velvet cake turning into red velvet pancake.” 

Inside the party, Hortze posed next to a display of her packaged mix as the media snapped photos of Hortze and Dushku frosting a giant stack of red velvet pancakes. The festivities included specialty cocktails by IZZE, food from the Candela Taco Bar and desserts by Nicobella Organic Chocolate. A DJ spun tunes in the courtyard as guests mingled and were entertained by a gentleman making creative balloon animals.

Michelle Branch, a longtime fan of The Griddle Cafe, was extremely excited about the new pancake mix. “I’m a fan of The Griddle and I’ve been going for years and when I found out that Jodi had red velvet pancakes I was like —are you serious? As if pancakes couldn’t get more delicious. I remember when I first went in and tried them I thought this is going to be a problem now. Now that I know these exist I am going to want them all the time so I’m so excited that they have the mixes now.”

For $14, fans of Hortze’s delectable red velvet pancakes can purchase the mix to make them at home. The mix will be available at Kitson and on Amazon and TheGriddleCafe.com.

Branch, like many who frequent The Griddle Cafe, says she will still make frequent trips to the breakfast hot spot but will also enjoy making the mix at home. “To be able to have the mix in the pantry ready to go on a Sunday morning when we’re wanting to veg out is the best! I’ll also bring them on the tour bus,” Branch said.