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| The classic IHOP building |
After Sunday church services, one of the go-to places for many families has been the iconic blue-roofed, A-framed International House of Pancakes (IHOP). The whole vibe of the place screams classic America, from the delicious array of flavored syrups (maple, boysenberry, strawberry, and blueberry) in those signature sticky-handled glass dispensers to a menu full of pancake variations that left you stumped on what to choose each time.
Terry and I absolutely love IHOP. From our days living in Buckhead to where we are now, grabbing dinner or breakfast at 1:00 a.m. has never been an issue thanks to IHOP. While I do have a soft spot for Waffle House, IHOP is the place where I know we'll always leave fully satisfied, especially when it comes to late-night eats. Terry's go-to used to be the Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich Platter, but now he's all about the breakfast sampler. For me, it's usually an omelet—often the Colorado Omelette—though my all-time favorite was a seafood-stuffed omelet available for a short time back in the early 2000s. Don't judge me; it was amazing!
As a kid, breakfast spots weren't high on my parents' list of places to dine out, so the International House of Pancakes remained a bit of a mystery. Plus, at the time, I thought I hated pancakes, thanks to the bland, often burnt-on-one-side versions my mom and dad occasionally whipped up.
Discovering IHOP as an adult was like finding a breakfast haven I never knew I needed. The variety of delicious options, from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets, made every visit a delightful adventure. Whether it's the bustling atmosphere or the friendly service, there's something uniquely comforting about IHOP that keeps us coming back.
IHOP has become a special part of our routine, a place where we can always count on a good meal and great memories. Whether we're enjoying a spontaneous late-night breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch, IHOP never disappoints. It's a tradition that adds a little extra flavor to our lives, one pancake at a time.
IHOP has been serving smiles for over 60 years. It all started in 1958 in Toluca Lake, California, thanks to brothers Al Lapin Jr. and Jerry Lapin. Inspired by McDonald's success, they tested their pancake recipes in their mom's kitchen. When the first restaurant opened, it was a full-on family affair, with Al's wife working the cash register with their baby son in a bassinet under the counter. The restaurant quickly became a hit, and the brothers expanded the chain across the nation and into Canada, opening over 1,000 restaurants. The name officially changed to IHOP in 1976. Jerry left the company in 1966, moved his family to Australia, and returned to the U.S. in 1979. He passed away at age 92 in 2022. Al left IHOP in 1973, had a rollercoaster of a career, and loved seeing IHOPs as he traveled. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 76. 🧇🍓📖✨
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