General Building Information
- Freestanding IHOP building containing approximately 5,000 square feet and seats approximately 150 to 185 persons
- Build-out of prominent end-cap or in-line space in a shopping center
- Conversion of an existing building to a modified prototypical IHOP restaurant (size may vary but should seat at least 135 persons)
Demographic Requirements
| Population | 25,000 to 50,000 -- 3 mile population |
| 80,000 to 150,000 -- 5 mile population | |
| Traffic Count | Greater than 28,000 average daily traffic |
| Freeway Traffic | Greater than 60,000 average daily traffic |
| Retail/Office | Density of retail, office and hospitals of approximately 10,000 persons within 1 to 2 miles, in addition to the residential population base within 3 miles |
Physical Requirements (freestanding building)
| Lot Size | 30,000 - 50,000 square feet for standalone parcel |
| 10,000 - 20,000 square feet if parcel is part of a shopping center | |
| Frontage | 150 feet minimum |
| Depth | Approximately 260 feet |
| Parking | 50 to 80 spaces (or reciprocal/shared parking) |
Utility Service Requirements
| Gas | 7" water column (1/2 psi) low pressure; 3" to 4" pipe size or (2 psi) medium pressure, 1 1/2 to 2" pipe size |
| Water | 2" water link with 2" meter (1 1/2" meter minimum allowed per local) |
| Fire Sprinklers | 4" to 6" water line per local conditions, 55 lbs minimum flow pressure fire service if required by local codes |
| Electrical | 800 to 1,000 amp service, 208 v, 3 phase |
| Sewer | 4" line with 1,500 gallon grease interceptor |
| HVAC | 35 to 40 tons for most restaurants |
Acquisition Vehicle
The acquisition vehicle that an IHOP Franchise Developer will typically use is to purchase or lease the property.
Lease Terms
IHOP franchise developers typically enter into a triple-net lease, with or without contribution from the landlord, that has a base term of 20 years and options extending for up to 30 years.