Frequently Asked Questions: General

When and where was IHOP founded?

The first IHOP opened July 7, 1958 in Toluca Lake, California. IHOP was founded by brothers Al and Jerry Lapin.

Does IHOP franchise its restaurants?

Yes, 99 percent of our restaurants are franchised. We believe that equity-involved owner/operators as franchisees will provide a better dining experience for our guests. You can learn more about becoming a franchisee here.

Can I buy stock in IHOP?

Yes. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Pasadena, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a subsidiary of Dine Brands Global, which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DIN". You can find more information on our Investor Info page.

What animal welfare standards does IHOP have in place?

For information about Animal Health and Welfare and IHOP’s ESG initiatives, please visit our parent company website.

Does IHOP support community functions and charities? If so, how do I request support?

IHOP, and the franchisees that operate our restaurants, are proud to support communities in which they operate. On February 1, 2024, IHOP launched Stacking Up Joy, a nationwide platform designed to bring people together in the communities its restaurants serve in partnership with Feeding America.

Each year, IHOP hosts National Pancake Day, our nationwide fundraiser, and in 2024 IHOP will be inviting guests on National Pancake Day and during the month of February to add $1, $2, $3 or more onto their checks to help end hunger in their local communities across the United States. For every $1 donated to the campaign during the entire month of February, 10 meals will be supplied to those in need.

While there are a number of worthy charitable organizations, we have found that we are most effective when we align our national support behind a singular cause through a singular large-scale event. For this reason, IHOP Restaurant’s Support Center is unable to accommodate additional requests for assistance.

At the local level, our independent franchisees support a variety of charitable causes through local sponsorships, fundraisers and events. If you are seeking support for your local non-profit, you may contact the owner of your local IHOP. Donations and/or other means of support are given at the discretion of the independent franchisee.