History - IHOP Middle East

59 years of smiles. And counting.

International House of Pancakes® began making people smile in 1958 when it opened its doors in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Fifteen years later, a new marketing campaign introduced the acronym “IHOP”, and since then it’s been the name people know as the place they can enjoy their favorite breakfast experience—any time of day.

Throughout our 58-year history, we’ve celebrated more than 1,650 restaurant openings across the country, and around the world. And we’ve introduced iconic favorites – like our Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity® – that people have grown up with, and now enjoy with their own families, making new memories.

1958

Founders Al and Jerry Lapin, along with early investors Al and Trudy Kallis, open the first International House of Pancakes in the Los Angeles suburb of Toluca Lake, California.

1960

Company begins to expand through franchising.

1961

Company is publicly traded under the name International House of Pancakes.

1963

Company adopts the name International Industries after it acquires numerous franchised brands, which it controls throughout the 60s. Brands include: International House of Pancakes, Orange Julius, Love’s Wood Pit Barbecue, Golden Cup Coffee Shops, The Original House of Pies, Wil Wright’s Ice Cream Shoppes, among others.

1973

A marketing program introduces the acronym “IHOP” for the first time

1979

The last of the iconic A-frame IHOP is built.

1985

The Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity® is introduced, and guests across the country have fun pronouncing the one-of-a-kind breakfast.

1985

Actor Cliff Bemis becomes an IHOP favorite, starring in commercials from the mid-80s through the mid-90s.

1991

IHOP moves its headquarters to Glendale, California and via an initial public offering becomes publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “IHP”.

1992

500th IHOP restaurant opens.

1993

Average sales per IHOP restaurant exceeds $1 million.

1998

For the first time, system-wide sales of IHOP reach $1 billion.

1999

IHOP begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “IHP”.

2001

The 1,000th IHOP opens in Layton, Utah.

2002

Julia A. Stewart is appointed President.

2003

The award-winning “Come hungry. Leave happy.” advertising campaign launches and IHOP introduces our popular Stuffed French Toast.

2004

IHOP wins prestigious Advertising and Marketing Awareness award for “Come hungry. Leave happy.” campaign.

2005

IHOP introduces Funnel Cakes as a Limited-Time Offer, and quickly becomes the country’s largest seller of this favorite amusement park treat.

2006

New ICON building prototype is introduced as the look for IHOP in the new millennium.

2007

On November 29, 2007, IHOP Corp. successfully completes the acquisition of Applebee’s International, Inc. With more than 3,300 restaurants, the combination brings together two leading restaurant brands and creates the largest full-service restaurant company in the world.

2008

IHOP Celebrates 50! From our humble beginnings in Toluca Lake, California we have become one of America’s favorite restaurants, with over 1,400 locations coast to coast.

2010

Introduces SIMPLE & FIT menu, with many items under 600 calories plus tips to meet nutrition goals located throughout the menu.

2011

IHOP celebrates its sixth National Pancake Day. In just six years, IHOP has raised $8 million in support of the communities where we do business! IHOP also becomes inaugural leader in Kids LiveWell initiative.

2012

IHOP launches the new “Everything You Love About BreakfastSM” campaign, including our first brand anthem TV spot and guest testimonials.

2012

IHOP launches the new “Everything You Love About BreakfastSM” campaign, including our first brand anthem TV spot and guest testimonials.

2014

IHOP continues its growth as a truly International House of Pancakes with more than 70 locations in Bahrain, Canada, Dubai (UAE), Guatemala, Kuwait, Mexico, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Virgin Islands

2015

IHOP celebrates a decade of giving with the 10th Annual National Pancake Day. A record-breaking $3.5 million is raised, bringing the 10-year total to nearly $20 million for charity. IHOP launches a new logo, giving guests one more reason to smile.