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Known for its fluffy, golden pancakes and inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, IHOP (International House of Pancakes) has been a long-time favorite in the dining out world. Founded in 1958 by brothers Al and Jerry Lapin in the sunny suburb of Toluca Lake, California, IHOP has grown from a single location into a global breakfast empire.
With more than 1,600 restaurants worldwide, IHOP is synonymous with hearty breakfasts and late-night comfort food, all served with a generous dollop of nostalgia and warmth. What sets IHOP apart isn’t just their signature pancakes, but their unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. For decades, IHOP has continually reinvented itself, introducing new menu items and concepts that keep customers coming back for more.
Check out 10 fun facts that highlight this iconic breakfast chain’s rich history, innovative spirit and commitment to the community.
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1. IHOP has partnered with Google Cloud to leverage AI.
IHOP has embraced cutting edge technology and has begun using artificial intelligence to help customers navigate their online ordering system. Customers are greeted with personalized options, including new menu items and deals, based on their ordering history.
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2. Enjoy a complimentary short stack pancake on Pancake Day.
IHOP holds celebration Pancake Day For the past 18 years, IHOP has been committed to giving back to the community by offering free Short Stack pancakes to dine-in customers. This annual event (next time on Tuesday, March 4, 2025) will not only delight pancake lovers, but will also serve as a fundraiser for charitable causes, with a donation being asked in exchange for the free pancakes to support IHOP’s community giving efforts.
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3. You can dine at the joint IHOP and Applebee’s restaurant.
IHOP will partner with Applebee’s to open dual-branded restaurants, both of which are owned by parent company Dine Brands Global. These integrated locations aim to offer a diverse dining experience and combine cooking and seating areas.
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4. IHOP has been falsely renamed to IHOb.
In 2018, IHOP made a brief splash. Changed name to IHOb(The “P” in the logo is backwards.) Although it was claimed that this marketing stunt was just a joke, it was designed to promote a new line of burgers and garnered a lot of media attention.
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5. IHOP partnered with Pepsi to release a syrup-flavored cola.
2022, IHOP Partnering with Pepsi We created a unique maple syrup-flavored cola. This limited edition drink combines the traditional taste of Pepsi with the sweet, rich flavor of IHOP’s signature maple syrup.
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6. The town that changed its name to IHOP.
During the promotional event, IHOP temporarily The city was renamed Natchez.Natchez, Mississippi to IHOP: Natchez is known as the “Biscuit Capital of the World,” so what better way to promote their biscuit menu?
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7. IHOP serves 700 million pancakes a year.
IHOP is amazing 700 million pancakes This is a testament to the restaurant’s popularity and the enduring love for its specialty dishes.
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8. IHOP wasn’t an official name until 1994.
The first International House of Pancakes opened in 1958, but the company Use the acronym “IHOP” Until 1973. The shorter, catchier name helped streamline the brand’s identity, and the brand name was officially changed to IHOP in 1994.
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9. A franchise team member invented IHOP’s funnel cake.
In 2004, Jane Manning, a long-time team staunch member, Sharp Holdings Corporation (who has run IHOP for over 50 years) came up with the idea for the IHOP funnel cake, and her proposal became one of IHOP’s biggest promotional successes.
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10. IHOP has locations on military bases.
IHOP opened its first store in 2010. Restaurant on a military baseserving members of the military and their families. This expansion to military bases reflects IHOP’s dedication to supporting our troops and ensuring IHOP is available to all guests.
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