I can't tell you how many times I've rolled into an IHOP for a delicious meal. My friends and I spent a lot of time hanging out there in high school since it was something we could actually afford on our part-time job budget. We knew we could all find something to enjoy, whether it was a savory dish of eggs and bacon or a sweet stack of their famous pancakes.
But I never really thought to look into the background of the restaurant that has been filling my belly for years. After a little digging, I'm even more impressed by the international breakfast franchise! Not only is their history fascinating, but they also continue to inspire their customers to help others while they chow down.
Take a look below for 11 incredible pieces of IHOP trivia.
Did we miss your favorite thing about the yummy restaurant? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
Thumbnail sources: Flickr, YouTube, Facebook
1. It All Started With A Coffee Cart
Prior to opening the breakfast chain with his brother Jerry, co-founder Al Lapin had already found success with a lucrative string of Coffee Time carts, which helped him provide funds for the first IHOP in 1958.
2. They Use Their Mother's Recipe
The Lapin brothers perfected the recipe passed down from their mom to create the delightfully fluffy pancakes diners love to devour.
3. Vermont's Restaurant Offers Local Syrup
The state famous for its maple syrup offers their customers the home-sapped sweet stuff for an extra .99 cents.
4. You'll Be Served With A Song In D.C.
At least, if you happen to be lucky enough to dine in Rosetta Patterson's section, where she'll happily provide you with some soulful crooning as she serves your scrumptious meal.
5. Free Pancake Day Raises Funds For Charity
Since starting the program in 2006, the company has helped raise about $16 million for charities — like Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other designated foundations — by encouraging their customers to pay it forward with their sweet deal.
6. They're Tackling Dinnertime Too
The parent company, DineEquity, purchased the Applebee's franchise in 2007, which means they've conquered every meal throughout the day. But I'm personally a fan of having breakfast for dinner anyway.
7. Initial Investors Made Interesting Art
Husband and wife team Al and Trudy Kallis consider themselves co-founders with their contribution in the early days, but they really made their name as artists for their incredible B-movie posters for Hollywood studios.
8. They Really Are International
That "I" in their name isn't just for show, considering they have 70 other locations spread out across the globe in places like Bahrain, Canada, Dubai, Guatemala, Mexico, The Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
9. Their Annual Number Of Pancakes Served Is Insane
In the course of a year, the restaurant chain whips up roughly 700 million pancakes for their hungry customers, and a whopping 32 million pounds of sausage, bacon and ham.
10. They Tried To Get A Little Too Fancy At First
The Lapin brothers hired a chef who had been trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu academy to create options like Tahitian Orange Pineapple and Kauai Coconut for their original restaurant, but those were a bit over the top for their clients.
11. They've Been Fresh And Fruity Since 1985
The famous Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity made its debut on their menus back in the '80s, and has been inspiring satisfied smiles ever since.
Did we miss your favorite thing about the legendary pancake pioneers? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
